Larry Merchant told Floyd Mayweather last night he would kick his butt if he were only 50 years younger, but today at LAX he told our camera guy … that probably wouldn’t have been the case. Merchant described his run-in with Floyd as “kind of exhilarating in its own way” but acknowledged he probably could never have taken Floyd in a fight — no matter his age. He described Floyd’s controversial knockout as a “legal sucker punch” but said Floyd was an “a prima donna, an outstanding fighter, … a modern reality show in progress.”



Pacquiao Camp Comments On Mayweather-Ortiz Outcome

Four members of Team Pacquiao have given brief comments to the Philippine Star newspaper on Saturday’s Mayweather-Ortiz clash in Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao: “Very poor sportsmanship…[but] it was not illegal.”

Trainer Freddie Roach: “Cheap shot…I think [Cortez] lost control.”

Advisor Mike Koncz: “Poor sportsmanship…I agree it was a cheap shot.”

Legal Advisor Franklin Gacal: “Ortiz was too trusting. It was his fault. But Floyd showed he is not a sportsman in its true sense.”

Heavyweight Helenius On Top Of WBO Rankings

Robert Helenius (16-0, 11 KOs) is the new top-ranked challenger in the latest World Boxing Organization (WBO) Rankings. The Nordic Nightmare, who holds the WBA & WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Titles, most recently completed his KO hat-trick of former world champions. He has now knocked out Lamon Brewster, Samuel Peter and Siarhei Liakhovich. 

“I am thrilled to be the top-ranked challenger with the WBO,” Helenius said. “That´s fantastic news and shows that my performances inside the ring have not gone unnoticed in the world of boxing. I am very ambitious and there is a lot more to come.”

Cotto-Margarito II Tickets On Sale Now

This time it’s personal. Three-division world champion and the Pride of Puerto Rico MIGUEL COTTO will make the second defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight title in the long-awaited rematch against professional rival and three-time welterweight world champion ANTONIO “The Tijuana Tornado” MARGARITO, of México, Saturday, December 3, at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. Cotto-Margarito II will be produced and distributed Live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

Their first encounter, on July 26, 2008, was a battle of epic proportion and arguably the Fight of the Year. Cotto and Margarito boast a combined record of 74-9 (56 KOs) – a winning percentage of 89% and a victory by knockout ratio of 76% -- not to mention seven world titles between them.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Cotto Promotions, AT&T, and Madison Square Garden, tickets to Cotto-Margarito II, priced at $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, including applicable service charges, will go on sale Tomorrow! Tuesday, September 20, at Noon ET. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticketmaster charges an additional fee.

"The first fight was a classic. I have a feeling that this fight will be much more intense, an outright war. This event will be a real treat for all fight fans,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank.

"I am so excited about my December 3rd fight at Madison Square Garden,” said Cotto. “This next time around the story will be entirely different. I am more mature and will have the correct strategy to convincingly defeat my opponent. I am ready for a great victory!"

The first fight was a great one and I am sure that the second fight will be too,” said Margarito. “And just the like the first fight I will come out victorious"

"All the elements you look for in a heated rivalry are part of this matchup," said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View. "Two established ring warriors with loyal fan bases who want to settle the score, meeting on one of boxing's most electric stages -- Madison Square Garden."

"All boxing fans should circle December 3rd on their calendar now for the much anticipated rematch between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito at The World's Most Famous Arena,” said Scott O’Neil, president, MSG Sports. “We are excited to welcome back Cotto to his home away from home, this is the perfect fight to debut the first phase of the transformed Garden to boxing fans."

Cotto (36-2, 29 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, has sold more fight tickets at The Garden than any other fighter in this millennium. He has held a world title every year since 2004 while winning 16 of the 18 world championship bouts he has fought. Puerto Rico’s most exciting fighter and one of its greatest, Cotto held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight crown from 2004-2006, successfully defending it six times before vacating it to capture the WBA welterweight title at the end of 2006, a title he held for nearly as long. After losing the WBA title to Margarito in July 2008, Cotto won his second welterweight belt in February 2009, knocking out Michael Jennings in the fifth round to become the WBO welterweight champion. He lost the title in his second defense, November 2009, to Manny Pacquiao. Cotto captured the WBA super welterweight title June 2010 at Yankee Stadium, by stopping undefeated defending champion Yuri Foreman. In his last fight, in March, Cotto successfully defended that title by stopping two-division world champion Ricardo Mayorga in the 12th round. Notable scalps on Cotto’s belt include world champions “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Joshua Clottey, Paulie Malignaggi and Demarcus Corley.

Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs), a native of Tijuana, México, captured his first world title in 2002, winning the vacant WBO welterweight title with a tenth-round TKO of Antonio Diaz. He reigned as WBO champion for five years, successfully defending his title seven times – five by knockout – among them victories over world champions Kermit Cintron, Andrew Lewis and Joshua Clottey. After losing the title to Paul Williams in 2007, Margarito dethroned IBF welterweight champion Cintron in a rematch, knocking him out in their 2008 fight. Margarito claimed his third welterweight title when he stopped undefeated WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in the eleventh round of their July 2008 battle. The rematch with Cotto will be Margarito’s third attempt at a world super welterweight title. 

The Cotto-Margarito II world championship telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET / 

6 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.

For Cotto-Margarito II fight week updates, log on to www.toprank.com and www.hbo.com

"Windy City Fight Night 19" This Friday

This Friday night, September 23rd, Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions presents WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 19, an action packed eight-bout card of world-class professional boxing at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.

Advance tickets for WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 19, priced at $36 for reserved floor seats and $31 for general admission can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office, (phone 312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions Office (312-226-5800.)

Headlining WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 19 will be a sensational light heavyweight battle between Chicago’s Polish Prince, Andrzej Fonfara and hard-hitting veteran Jose “Seek and Destroy” Spearman of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Since turning professional five years ago, the 23-year-old Fonfara, a native of Warsaw, Poland has thrilled Chicago sports fans and drawn huge legions of “loud and proud” fellow countrymen. 

Sporting a record of 18-2-1 (9KO’s), Fonfara recorded his sixth straight victory on May 20th, brutally stopping Anthony Russell in the seventh round, defending his WBO NABO Light Heavyweight Title.

The much more experienced Spearman, 28-17-5 (11KO’s), has faced numerous world champions and contenders over his fifteen year career including Lucian Bute, Sebastian Demers, Brian McGee, Bronco McKart, Carlos DeLeon Jr. Lujuan Simon, Mean Joe Greene and Anthony Hanshaw.

In the six round co-main event at WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 19, popular Chicago welterweight prospect Jaime “The Truth” Herrera, 6-1-0 (4KO’s) will challenge veteran Robert “The Wolf” Jones, 8-9-1 (3KO’s) of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Just 22 years old, the good-looking Herrera has impressed Chicago fight fans with his terrific boxing skills and fan friendly style. He returns to the ring following a sensational third round knockout of Eric Draper on May 20th. 

As has been the case at each of Herrera’s bouts, all at the UIC Pavilion, a huge contingent of Chicago’s Mexican American community will be out in force with their full support.

Last year Jones scored a huge victory, knocking out highly regarded contender Pete Cantu in the third round at The Palace of Auburn Hills, outside of Detroit.

In a six round special feature attraction, hard-hitting Ukrainian middleweight prospect, Viktor Polyakov, 8-0-0 (6KO’s) will return to the Chicago fight scene for the first time since 2008 against Cleveland’s Romaro Johnson, 11-4-1 (6KO’s).

WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 19 will also see four of Chicago’s finest newcomers in separate four round bouts.

Super bantamweight Sergio Montes De Oca, 4-1-0 (1KO) will face off against hard-hitting Antwan Robertson, 7-6-1 (5KO’s) of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Super bantamweight Juan Carlos Fernandez, 1-0-1, challenges St. Louis based Jamal Parram, 4-3-1 (4KO’s).

Cruiserweight Dimur Ortuz will make his pro debut against the Motor City’s Covan Graham, 0-1-0.

Featherweight Jeremias Correa, 2-0-0 (1KO) will also see action against an opponent to be announced.

Rounding out the card, Tacoma, Washington prospect Mike Gavronski, 2-0-1 (2KO’s) and Chicago’s Gerald Taylor, 4-2-1 (2KO’s) will see action in a four round super middleweight bout.

8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. 

Fighters currently under the 8 Count Productions banner include; super middleweight contender Donovan George, light heavyweight Andrzej Fonfara, junior welterweight prospects Ivan Popoca, Adrian Granados and Ramiro Carrillo along with welterweights Achour Esho and Jaime Herrera. 

For more information on 8 Count Productions please visit their new website, www.8countproductions.com. Follow them on Twitter at 8_Count and Facebook at “8 Count Productions”.

Doors open at the UIC Pavilion at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at www.uicpavilion.com. The UIC Pavilion is now serving alcohol at all boxing events.

Q&A: Steve "USS" Cunningham

IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (24-2, 12 KOs) will put his belt on the line against Yoan Pablo Hernandez (24-1, 13 KOs) in Neubrandenburg, Germany on October 1. Boxing-online.com has caught up with the 35-year-old American ahead of his third fight for Team Sauerland.

Q: How has the preparation been going?

USS: “Everything has been going great, I'm feeling good and looking forward to the fight. I'm always in the gym, even without a fight scheduled, and I always have the top cruiserweights on my radar.”

Q: Hernandez is a tough fighter. He is also a southpaw. Have you already fought other southpaws? Have you had a special preparation for this fight?

USS: “Yes, I have fought other southpaws in my career, and I used to spar with Chris Byrd as an amateur and pro. I have no problems with fighting southpaws.”

Q: You have already beaten all four reigning world champions. Looks like Hernandez is one of the biggest names out there that you have yet to beat?

USS: “I believe him to be the best challenger for me right now. I think he is a good fighter and will bring a good fight. I want to put on a great fight for the German fans and would love for it to be the fight of the year.”

Q: You defeated mandatory challenger Enad Licina in your last fight in April. But you said you were not entirely happy with your performance?

USS: “Our initial fight date was changed and we travelled back to America for a short period to resume camp. When I returned to Germany the week before the fight, I had caught the flu. I spent the first three days in bed and was not feeling well at all. I was determined and even though I knew I wasn't 100%, I felt confident that my best at that time would be enough. And thank God it was. I felt drained during the fight, I really could not push the way I wanted to and trained to. But prayer, faith and hard work brought me through.”

Q: Your clash with Hernandez will also be a clash of two top trainers - Naazim Richardson and Ulli Wegner…

USS: “They are both great trainers. I know 100% that brother Naazim Richardson is the best trainer for me. He works equally as hard as I do in preparing for a fight and I trust him in the ring to tell me what needs to be done. Wegner is a great trainer too, his work speaks for itself. Two great trainers, two great fighters, it's going to be a GREAT fight.”

Sturm To Defend Against Murray Dec. 2

MARTIN MURRAY will challenge World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight champion Felix Sturm later this year.

St Helens’ British, Commonwealth and WBA intercontinental champion meets the German superstar at the SAP Arena, Mannheim on Friday 2nd December.

Murray will be bidding to become the first Hatton Promotions fighter to win a world championship crown.

The undefeated 28-year-old said: “I am absolutely buzzing and have so much motivation to go over there and beat Sturm.

“I first knew about the fight in early September, but we couldn’t say anything until the contract was signed.

“I have started an 11 week training camp at Oliver Harrison’s gym and come fight night I will be in the shape of my life.

“I have been ready for this chance for about nine months, but I seemed to slip under the radar because everybody talks about Matthew Macklin and Darren Barker as the main middleweights in Britain.”

Sturm was a controversial points winner over Macklin in June, but Murray insists he has every confidence in the officials.

He added: “I watched Sturm’s defence against Macklin and made it a draw. When it is that close the champion on home soil usually gets the decision and there could be no real complaints.

“The WBA are a fantastic organisation and been very good to me so I will not be worrying about the scoring.

“Anyway, I am better fighter than Macklin and I will go one better than him in December.”

Murray who has won all 23 fights and is ranked three by the WBA will be an underdog when he faces the formidable champion.

Sturm, 32, has lost just two of his 39 contests and will be making the 11th defence of the world title he won for the second time against Javier Castillejo in April 2007.

Murray last fought in June, when he forced Nick Blackwell to quit on his stool after five rounds.

Mayweather KO Was Legal, Says Cortez

Referee Joe Cortez has come become the subject of scrutiny following Saturday night's bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Victor Ortiz. While many will debate the conclusion of the bout, Cortez clearly called time in following Ortiz's one point deduction in the fourth and says Mayweather did nothing illegal.

"Time was in," Cortez told The Las Vegas Review Journal. "The fighter needed to keep his guard up. Mayweather did nothing illegal."

Post-Fight Quotes: Mayweather   

Following his fourth round KO over Victor Ortiz Saturday night in Las Vegas, NV, Floyd Mayweather spoke to the media. Below are quotes from Mayweather:

“This was another unbelievable performance. A lot of people want to know what happened. There were a couple head butts. Sh*t happens in the sport of boxing.

“Protect yourself at all times.

“You wanted to see a knockout and that is what I gave you.

“When victor Ortiz was nine years old, I was dominating the sport of boxing.

“This was an unbelievable training camp. This camp was blood sweat and tears. Being up all night. Running seven or eight miles. I deserved it.

“I was always told to protect yourself at all times. My mouth was split open. I said keep it clean. Once you touch gloves, it is go time.

“We came together to fight. It is fight time. You want to do me dirty and then two minutes later you want to be my friend? This is the hurting business.

“Without the fourth round, he was going to get knocked out anyway. I was fighting stronger. I was keeping my composure and sticking to the game plan.

“We were breaking him down. I listened to what my corner said.

“Floyd Mayweather isn’t ducking and dodging anybody. If he [Ortiz] wants it, he can have it [a rematch].

“If he [Ortiz] felt like it was a fluke and it didn’t get done right the first time, I would do it again.

“He was slowly breaking down as each round went. He was going to go anyway.

“Once you put me in that squared circle, I am home.

“I am never going to get a fair shake, but whoever you put in front of me; they can’t beat me.

“I take my hat off to Victor Ortiz. He is still a champion in my eyes. Tough guy tough opponent, but I was the better man.

“I said I was going to go straight to him and that is what I did.

“I just say what goes around, comes around. Things happen in this sport and like I said, they say protect yourself at all times."

Mayweather Takes The "Vicious" Out Of Ortiz, Morales Claims WBC Title, Results From Las Vegas

Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Victor Ortiz via fourth round KO Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Although Ortiz was able to land his punches, they were few and far between. Mayweather was able to respond by showcasing his speed and pinpoint punching. In the fourth, the bout took a dramatic turn when Ortiz was deducted one point for intentionally headbutting Mayweater. After both fighters touched gloves following the foul, Mayweather caught Ortiz looking and landed a plush punch that would send him down to the canvas and out for the count. Time was 2:59. With the victory, Mayweather reclaims the WBC welterweight title.

In a bloody battle, Mexican warrior Erik Morales (52-7 36KOs) claimed the WBC junior welterweight title with a tenth round TKO over Pablo Cesar Cano (22-1-1 17KOs). 

Jessie Vargas (17-0 9KOs) earned a ten round split decision over Josesito Lopez (29-4 17KOs). Scores were 95-94, 95-94 (Lopez), 96-93. Despite being deducted 1 point in the eighth for a low blow, Vargas was able to pull ahead on the scorecards.

Carson Jones (32-8-2 22KOs) stopped Said Ouali (28-4 20KOs) after seven rounds. 

Adonis Stevenson KO(1) Dion Savage
Anthony Crolla SD(8) Juan Manuel Montiel
Marco Antonio Periban UD(8) Dhafir-Smith

Alvarez KOs Gomez, Results From Los Angeles

Saul Alvarez (38-0-1 28KOs) easily retained his WBC light middleweight title by scoring a sixth round KO over Alfonso Gomez (23-5-2 12KOs) Saturday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Gomez was down in rounds one and six before the referee waived off the bout at the 2:36 mark after a barrage of punches from Alvarez sealed the deal.

Antonio Orozco (12-0 8KOs) shutout Fernando Rodriguez (6-7 3KOs) over six rounds. Scores were 60-54 all around.

In a battle of pro debuts, Ray Rivera (1-0 1KO) knocked out Rudy Gonzalez (0-1) in round one. Time was 1:26.

Mikayl Arreola (18-0 10KOs) defeated Juan Sandoval (5-7-1 3KOs) via six round unanimous decision. Scores were 58-55 (twice), 57-56.

Golden Boy Promotions And The Great Promotions Team Up To Co-Promote Devon Alexander "The Great"

LOS ANGELES, September 17 - A gifted boxer whose talent and compelling story has captivated fans around the world, former Junior Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander "The Great" is on track to regain his title after his June win over Lucas Matthysse, and to help him get there, he has enlisted Golden Boy Promotions to co-promote him with his own company, The Great Promotions, on his way to boxing superstardom.

"I am extremely excited to join forces with Golden Boy Promotions, the premier promoter in our sport," said Alexander. "Golden Boy has several fighters in their stable, in and around my weight division that would make great fights for me. I look forward to challenging the best in boxing in the coming years."

"Devon Alexander's resume and talent speak for themselves and he's a perfect addition to our team both as a boxer and as a promoting partner," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "With everything he's accomplished so far, it's hard to believe that he's only 24, but that's good news for boxing fans because it's clear that the best is yet to come for him."

"Devon Alexander is one of boxing's most talented and accomplished young stars," said Drexel Stith, COO of The Great Promotions. "We here at The Great Promotions are happy to partner with Golden Boy Promotions, and with this partnership I believe Devon's career will be catapulted to super stardom."

"Oscar de la Hoya has always been one of my favorite fighters, said Alexander's trainer Kevin Cunningham. "He ducked no one and fought the best in his era, so he knows all about the bight fights. Devon has that same mentality and now that we are working with Golden Boy we can make the fights that the fans want to see."

A boxer for much of his 24 years, Devon Alexander (22-1, 13 KO's) showed his character early on in life, as he opted for the discipline of the gym over the temptations of the streets in his native St. Louis. This discipline, coupled with an amazing level of talent in the ring, led him to 300 amateur wins and a host of titles. Alexander was not content and after just missing out on the 2004 Olympic Games and turned professional at 17 in May of 2004, stopping Vincent Torres in a single round. After winning fight after fight, adding the WBC Youth and WBC Continental Americas titles along the way, Alexander won the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship in August of 2009 by stopping Junior Witter in eight rounds. Seven months later, the southpaw added the IBF World Title with an eighth round technical knockout win over power punching Juan Urango. After a win over Andriy Kotelnik in August of 2010, he lost a 10-round technical decision to Timothy Bradley in their unification bout on January 29, 2011. After his first and only professional loss, which came after head-butts from Bradley affected his vision, Alexander rebounded in June with a 10-round split decision victory over the tough, highly regarded Lucas Matthysse and is eager to get back in the ring and continue on the road to another world title.

Fury Scores TKO Over Firtha

Heavyweight contender Tyson Fury (16-0 11KOs) remained unbeaten by scoring a fifth round TKO over Nicolai Firtha (20-9-1 8KOs) Saturday night at King's Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Time was 2:19.

Mike Lee Defeats Stiers , Results From Notre Dame

On the eve of the Notre Dame vs. Michigan State football game, pro boxing came for the first time to the famous Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Indiana. In the main event, unbeaten light heavyweight and prospect and Notre Dame graduate Mike Lee (7-0, 4 KOs) won a four round knockdownfest against Jacob Stiers (4-2, 2 KOs). Lee stalked Stiers and dropped him in both rounds one and two. Lee, however, didn’t have it all his way as he was dropped himself in round three and seemed hurt for a moment. Lee floored Stiers again with a body shot in the fourth to win by the unusual scores of 38-34.

41-year-old super middleweight veteran Troy Lowry (27-11, 15 KOs) scored a spectacular fifth round KO over previously unbeaten Travis Loveless (20-1, 17 KOs). Loveless seemed to be wearing out Lowry and was credited with a knockdown in round four. Lowry however hurt Loveless in the fifth and sent him to the deck face first with a huge right hand. Time was 1:32. Lowry ended a six fight losing streak.

Super welterweight Glen Tapia (11-0, 5 KOs) kept his unbeaten record intact with a dominating six round unanimous decision over over Marcus Thompkins (5-5-1, 2 KOs). Tapia battered Thompkins to the deck in rounds two and three and was in command all the way. Scores were 60-52 on all cards.

Debuting light heavyweight Ray Lucies (1-0) scored a one-sided four round unanimous decision over professional opponent Nathan Wilkes (2-23-1, 2 KOs). Lucies put Wilkes on the deck with a body shot in round one but was unable to end the bout early.

Debuting heavyweight James Shorter (1-0, 1 KO) scored a second round KO over Yauheni Shishporenak (7-3, 6 KOs). Time was 2:04.

Light heavyweight Ramiro Bueno (2-1, 1 KO) needed just 84 seconds needed just 84 seconds to finish Anthony McManaway (0-1).

Mitchell Stops Ferreryo In Three, Results From Texas Casino

Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell (23-0-1, 17 KOs) remained undefeated in a third round TKO win over Hector Ferreryo (21-11-2, 12 KOs). Mitchell went on the attack from the start, landing with body shots stunning Ferreryo at times. In round three, Mitchell would land a flurry of punches hurting a battered Ferreryo. The bout would be called off, Ferreryo seemed to disagree, but with one eye shut there was nothing he could say for the punishment he was receiving to continue. Official time was 2:17. 

Felix Diaz UD(8) Larry Smith 

Athletes, Boxers, And The Media Weigh-In On "Star Power-Mayweather vs. Ortiz"

LAS VEGAS, NV (Sept. 16)... With just one day to go until the mega-fight between Six-Time World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather and WBC Welterweight World Champion "Vicious" Victor Ortiz, top athletes, boxers and media members have weighed in on who they think will be victorious on Saturday night. 

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" takes place Saturday, Sept. 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.



ATHLETES/BOXERS - "Mayweather will win by decision. I think Mayweather wins because of his speed and experience. Even though I like the young fella Ortiz, I have Mayweather winning this one.."

- Carlos Boozer, Forward, Chicago Bulls

"Mayweather KO in 8."

- Caron Butler, Forward, NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks

"The champ will walk in the ring as a champ and leave the ring as THE champ. Floyd is the best; nothing more needs to be said."

- Mark Cuban, Owner of the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks

"My opinion is that Mayweather is going to win. Mayweather has tremendous defense and speed. Mayweather also has the power, and we all know Victor can get hurt. Victor Ortiz, however, has a lot of heart and he showed that in his last fight. I believe Ortiz also has the power to change the fight and beat Mayweather. I believe the fight will go to distance and Mayweather will win by points. I don't see a knock out happening."

- Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz, Former World Champion

"This fight presents a unique opportunity for Victor Ortiz; he takes a punch and gives as well. By seven rounds, I expect Ortiz to pull ahead with Mayweather holding on, avoiding being KO'd."

- George Foreman, Former World Champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee

"I think Mayweather vs. Ortiz will be a great fight and may the best man win!"

- Danny Garcia, Undefeated Junior Welterweight Contender

"Victor Ortiz is a young, hungry lion with an incredible story. How can anybody not root for a guy like him? He'll leave everything in the ring come fight night and the fans will get their money's worth, but Floyd Mayweather's speed and intelligence will be the key to a unanimous decision victory. Floyd will weather an early storm from Ortiz and make the proper adjustments to come out victorious. Floyd's been a tremendous fighter for many years. We'll see how many great fights he has left in him."

- Robert Guerrero, WBA and WBO Interim Lightweight World Champion

"Mayweather by unanimous points decision or stoppage. This promises to be a very interesting fight, as Mayweather is coming off a long layoff and Ortiz is in the prime of his fighting life and fresh off a great win over the unbeaten Andre Berto. Ortiz may have his moments in the fight as Mosley did, but ultimately I believe Mayweather's perfection will shine through as the fight goes on. Whatever the outcome, I'm very excited about this fight and will no doubt be watching live."

- David Haye, Former World Champion

“You ask me as a fan and as a guy with boxing credibility. I think the win goes to the guy with the higher fighting IQ and the experience. You have one guy who has been in the game longer than the other, the guy who comes from a boxing family. I love Ortiz. Would I be surprised if Ortiz gives Floyd all he can handle? No! But, with Floyd’s style and Ortiz’s style, I see Floyd winning this fight convincingly.”

- Bernard Hopkins, WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Champion 

"It's going to be a tough fight for Victor and I hope he does well, but Mayweather has more experience and I think Mayweather will beat him in the later rounds on points. If it's the same Victor that turned up for Berto, it's going to be a tough fight for Mayweather."

- Amir Khan, WBA Super Lightweight and IBF Junior Welterweight World Champio

"I predict Floyd with his talent and experience. This fight could be his toughest and most dangerous fight if Ortiz doesn't freeze in this event. The eyes will reveal the truth."

- Sugar Ray Leonard, Former World Champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee

"Mayweather will outbox Ortiz to get a clear, unanimous decision, but if Ortiz fights like he did against Berto, Mayweather will be stopped."

- Marcos Maidana, WBA Super Lightweight World Champion

"I think it's a very competitive fight, contrary to what some of the media are saying. Victor is in fine form as of late, and he's really come into his own these last couple years and more so than physically, he's come into his own on a mental level, and you can see the confidence written all over his face and in his demeanor in general. Having said that, Floyd Mayweather to me might be the best fighter to ever put on a pair of boxing gloves. It will be interesting to see now that he's no longer a spring chicken, if these layoffs will have any effect on him. He is a reflex/reaction type fighter, and those are the first things you lose as age creeps up on you. Age may be a factor because Floyd is up against a hungry young lion. I pick Floyd in a close fight that goes the distance and might even be controversial, but if he's lost anything with his age, I can't say I'd be hugely surprised if Victor pulls off the upset. Five years ago, I would pick Floyd in a less competitive fight even if not a dominant one, of course, that's with the Victor of today against the Floyd of back then, but that's not a knock on Victor, it's just that Floyd in his prime was unreal and would beat very good fighters and at times make it even look easy. I like this fight a lot; I applaud Victor for taking it while accepting the random drug tests. I would love to have that in pro boxing for everyone and not just Mayweather and his opponents. The NFL just implemented a random HGH test as well as minor league baseball. Pro soccer players are also subject to mandatory random tests, so if the best professional athletes in the world are now being subjected to them, then I don't see why boxers should not, at the very least on a world class level. So I commend Victor, and I like what Floyd is doing. This is an exemplary fight not just because they are world class athletes, but obviously they are making a point that they are gentlemen and fair and honest sportsmen as well."

- Paulie Malignaggi, Former World Champion

"I think Mayweather will win a decision. He has more experience and he's too smart and quick. I'm not taking away anything from Victor, I think he will give a great fight, but I think Mayweather will win."

- Abner Mares, IBF Bantamweight World Champion and WBC Silver Bantamweight Champion

"I'm picking Ortiz in a decision."

- Willis McGahee, Running Back, Denver Broncos

"I am expecting a tough fight for Mayweather. I feel Victor Ortiz is a man on a mission...a determined, young, strong and embittered man. Life, family and critics have created a monster inside Victor. Pretty Boy is in for a rough night September 17 - another storm Floyd will endure. Mature skills and experience win fights. I think Victor's momentum and strengths outweigh Floyd's, but Floyd's poise and polished skills will be the deciding factor as always. Close rounds will be tough to score. Victor may take the early lead, but middle and final rounds will be all Mayweather right hands and uppercuts. I see Mayweather winning a close decision in a fight where both men face adversity."



- Sergio Mora, Former World Champion

"Mayweather will win by a decision. He is too fast for Ortiz."

- Israel Vazquez, Former World Champion

"Mayweather has too much experience plus he's the best till somebody beats him, but it's going to be exciting."

- Micky Ward, Former World Title Contender

"I think that Mayweather will win the fight. He's gonna box Ortiz, do a lot of counter punching and jabs to the body to keep Ortiz off balance. Exciting if Ortiz fights [Mayweather] like he did Berto, but Floyd is not Berto, so I think Floyd will win by decision or maybe KO if Ortiz is not careful."

- Winky Wright, Former World Champion

MEDIA MEMBERS

"Mayweather by TKO 9. While Ortiz is a dangerous opponent, he doesn't have Mayweather's experience, ring generalship and ability to adjust on the fly. Floyd's counterpunching and defense will prove to be the difference as he controls the fight, picks Ortiz apart and it results in a stoppage."

- Steve Carp, Las Vegas Review-Journal

"I'm predicting Floyd Mayweather in seven rounds."

- DJ Clue, Power 105 Disc Jockey (New York City)

"Ortiz needs to take it to Mayweather early. He will be dangerous for Mayweather the first four or five rounds. Mayweather will work him out by then and break him down. I predict a late stoppage or points win for Mayweather."

-Gareth Davies, Telegraph (UK)

"There will not be a knockout in this fight, but it will be a fight in which Mayweather eventually wins. He is still more skilled. He is quicker and faster, but Ortiz will compete. He will not quit. He will compete with heart, but ultimately Mayweather will show that he is the best in the weight class and one of the best in the world."

- Carl Dukes, Host of Put Up Your Dukes with Carl Dukes on ESPN Radio in Houston

"The variable is Floyd's inactivity: he's fought just 24 rounds since knocking out Ricky Hatton in 2007 and he's new to the role of old master trying to tame a young lion. Still, Mayweather has never been in serious trouble in any fight and is far more familiar with the unique pressures of the megafight stage. It says here Floyd survives a scary moment, not unlike the second round of the Shane Mosley fight, before coasting to a comfortable decision."

- Bryan Graham, Sports Illustrated

"Floyd Mayweather is going to win the fight."

- Tom Joyner, radio host of the nationally syndicated "Tom Joyner Morning Show"

"Floyd Mayweather by unanimous decision."

- Jaime Motta, ESPN and ESPN Deportes On-Air Personality

"Victor Ortiz has to start fast and stay that way for 12 rounds. He won't outbox or outthink Floyd Mayweather; he has to jump on him and pressure him and not give him a chance to breathe. That task will be aided if Mayweather, at 34 and with just two fights in four years, shows rust or age. If he doesn't, then expect Mayweather's skilled inside countering to come to the fore as the fight evolves. By round four, Ortiz is likely to start walking into increasingly well-timed counters, and after a couple of exciting back-and-forth rounds, Mayweather will take control and sweep the second half en route to a possibly close but certainly clear decision win."


- Kieran Mulvaney, Reuters and ESPN.com

"Mayweather by decision."

- Lance Pugmire, LA Times

"Mayweather is the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world and I am pretty convinced that the only guy who can beat him is me."

-Sid Rosenberg, 560AM WQAM Miami Radio Personality

"Mayweather TKO in the 10th round. The only way that Victor can win is either by knockout or by being aggressive. Fighters who have done that such has Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Ricky Hatton and Arturo Gatti have taken sustained technical beat downs from Floyd before being stopped."

- Lem Satterfield, The Ring

"Floyd will finally return to the ring and take out some frustrations. Ortiz will provide a tough fight and a southpaw challenge but more than his blood will be tested. Mayweather will come prepared and make it a long night. Ortiz won't be able to KO Mayweather and he's only gone 12 rounds once. Mayweather by unanimous decision."

- Jim Slater, AFP

"Mayweather KO in the 11th. He is a superior boxer. You can't hurt what you can't hit. I don't believe Victor Ortiz can hit Mayweather. Ortiz can be had. He gets hit. He is going to fight valiantly, but he has never been in the ring with a boxer like Floyd Mayweather."

-Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Personality 

"Mayweather by 10th round TKO."



- Tim Smith, New York Daily News

"Mayweather in the 10th round."

-George Willis, New York Post

MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINERS

“Coincidentally ‘Money and Vicious’ is also the name of a Las Vegas law firm. But when it comes to fighters in this town, you'll lose your money on Money. Ortiz TKO.”

- Terry Fator, Star of Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert live at The Mirage

“We are split – three of us are picking Mayweather, and two of us are picking Ortiz.”

- The Stars of “Thunder from Down Under” at Excalibur Hotel & Casino

“Mayweather will defintiely win! Mayweather's hands are just too fast for anyone. I wouldn't want to fight him.”

- Mariah and Lorena, Two of the Stars of “FANTASY” at Luxo



"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz"is a mega-event taking place Saturday, Sept. 17 from two world-class cities with three world titles at stake. Floyd MayweatherandVictor Ortizwill face off in a 12-round fight for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Title from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.Canelo AlvarezandAlfonso Gomezwill do battle in a 12-round fight for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Title from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Also live in Las Vegas will beErik Morales vs. Pablo Cesar Canoin a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title and an opening fight featuring undefeated rising starJessie Vargasagainst top contenderJosesito Lopez. The mega event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools, AT&T and Southwest Airlines. Alvarez vs. Gomez is presented in association with Canelo Promotions and Morales vs. Cano is presented in association with Box Latino Promotions. "STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. 

The "STAR POWER" pay-per-view telecast, which begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com. 

Remaining tickets for Mayweather vs. Ortiz are priced at $1,250, $1,000 and $600, not including applicable service charges, with a total ticket limit of ten (10) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets for Alvarez vs. Gomez, priced at $300, $150, $75 and $50, are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000. Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center box office.

The finale of the all-access reality series "24/7 Mayweather/Ortiz" premieres Friday, Sept. 16 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO. Episodes #1-3 are available at HBO ON DEMAND® and HBO GO®. CNN will replay episodes #3 and #4 this Friday, Sept. 16 at 12 midnight. All four parts can be seen consecutively on HBO this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. All times are ET/PT. 

Photos: Mayweather-Ortiz Weigh-In Gets TOUCHY!

Floyd Mayweather Jr 146.5 vs. Victor Ortiz 147
(WBC welterweight championship)
Erik Morales 140 vs. Pablo Cesar Cano 140
(Vacant WBC jr welterweight championship)
Jessie Vargas 142 vs. Josesito Lopez 140.5
Dion Savage 168 vs. Adonis Stevenson 160
Juan Manuel Montiel 134 vs. Anthony Crolla 135
Dhafir Smith 168 vs. Marco Antonio Periban 168
Carson Jones 145 vs. Said Ouali 147
Cassius Clay 133 vs. Kyrone Butler 134

Las Vegas (Sept. 16)...Click HERE at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT to catch the official "Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" weigh-in. See Floyd Mayweather, Victor Ortiz, Erik Morales, Pablo Cesar Cano, Jessie Vargas and Josesito Lopez weigh-in from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on Ustream. Canelo Alvarez and Alfonso Gomez will have their weigh-in, which takes place earlier in the day in Los Angeles, shown on tape delay during the live stream of the Las Vegas live weigh-in. The dual site boxing mega-event will take place at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. and STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®. The streaming of the official weigh-in closes the exciting "Star Power" schedule of USTREAM events. Fans from around the world can enjoy anywhere they can access the internet.

To watch the live weigh-ins stream go to the "STAR POWER" USTREAM channel at www.ustream.tv/mayweathervsortiz.

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" Official Weigh-In

Friday, September 16

5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT

# # #

In the main event of the evening, WBC Featherweight Champion Jhonny Gonzalez successfully defended his title against the tough and experienced Rogers Mtagwa. Gonzalez came out swinging and defeated his opponent via TKO at 2:15 into the second round. With the win, Gonzalez improves to 50 wins and only 7 losses, 44 of which have come by way of knockout. 

Javier Molina improved his undefeated record to 9-0, with 4 KO's against possibly the hardest test of his career in John Revish when he defeated Revish by unanimous decision in a 6-round contest.  The undefeated Mexican US Olympian had his twin brother, Oscar, a member of the Mexican Olypmic boxing team, in his corner.

In a battle of two Mexican veterans, who brought a total of 83 previous bouts to the ring, Miguel "Mickey" Roman dropped Antonio Jose Meza with a body shot to the left side only 2:09 into the very first round. Roman's record now stands at 35-8, 27 KO's. 

In another exciting bout that pinned two Mexicans against one another, Antonio Escalante was able to do one better (second, that is) than Miguel "Mickey" Roman, when he finished his opponent, Pipino Cuevas Jr. 2:08 seconds into the first round.  The referee was forced to step in and stop the beating Cuevas Jr. was receiving, improving Escalante's record to 24-4, 15 KO's, while Cuevas Jr.'s record falls to 13-8, 11 KO's.

The card aslo featured several home town prospects. While Escalante was able to stop his opponent one second faster than Roman's 2:09 first-round KO, El Paso's Carlos Villa was able to shave a whole minute off of Romans time, when he stopped Javier Nunez via TKO only 1:09 into round number one.  Villa, continues the undefeated start to his career, now 3-0, 2 KO's.

El Paso's Joel Garcia improves his record to 3-0, 1 KO after  defeating Ricky Lacefield by UD in a four-round attraction.

Also from El Paso, Jennifer Han improves her record to 4-1-1 by defeating Kerri Hill by UD in the lone female bout of the evening.

Bellew Done Talking, Ready To Step In The Ring 

In the 10 round main event, hard-hitting heavyweight contender Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (22-0-1, 16 KO's) is back in action for the first time since his blistering first round knockout of Evans Quinn in May and the former standout Michigan State University linebacker will look to build on his impressive boxing resume when he takes on Texas veteran "Hurricane" Hector Ferreyro (21-10-2, 12 KO's), a rugged battler who plans on taking Mitchell into deep, uncharted water this week.

Also featured on the broadcast will be one of boxing's brightest stars, unbeaten welterweight Felix Diaz (9-0, 6 KO's), a 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist from the Dominican Republic who is expected to be tested in his eight round matchup with Dallas' Larry Smith (10-5, 7 KO's), an upset-minded competitor with the knockout power to shock anyone he steps into the ring with.

The man who is likely to get the biggest cheers of the night will be debuting junior welterweight Taylor Larson, a Las Vegas native and employee at Texas Station Casino who will have all his friends and co-workers pushing him to new heights when he battles Los Angeles' Andres Reyes (2-1-2) in a four round contest.

Mitchell and Ferreyro won't be the only big men going to battle in Vegas this Friday, as hometown favorite Alvaro Morales (6-9-6) meets Compton, California's Andrae Carthron (5-7-2, 1 KO) in a six round bout. In the four round junior welterweight opener, Brandywine, Maryland's Terron Grant makes his professional debut against Gilroy, California's Alonso Loeza (0-0-1).

"STAR POWER FRIDAY" is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T.  Doors open at 6:00pm PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 7:00pm PT.  The TeleFutura broadcast begins at 11:30pm ET / PT (10:30pm CT). 

Tickets, priced at $25 and $50, are on sale now and available for purchase at the Texas Station Rewards Center or online at www.stationcasinos.com/concerts. 

Fans at home can also be part of the action by participating in Cinturón Tecate and voting for the fighter in the main event who displayed the most character in the ring by sending a text message to 55333. Voting will be open through the end of the weekend.

Tecate, cerveza con carácter, is the largest beer brand to sponsor boxing matches in the U.S. Part of its commitment to make boxing accessible to consumers is the title sponsorship of "Sólo Boxeo Tecate," which creates an opportunity for local fans to witness some of the most exhilarating fights by today's up-and-coming prospects.  Additionally, Tecate has been a primary supporter of Golden Boy Promotions' marquee events since 2007, and has launched a variety of initiatives to ensure consumers are part of the boxing experience, including boxer autograph signing sessions, commemorative cans, PPV mail-in rebate offers, and most recently the launch of a mobile museum "Tecate Museo de Boxeo," which showcases decades of the most memorable moments in the sport.

For more information, visit www.floydmayweather.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter at@floydmayweather, @mayweatherpromo, @goldenboyboxing or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/Mayweatherpromotions,www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/texasstation.

Fight To Educate Seems Like Old Times For New Danny O'Connor

MANCHESTER, N.H. (September 15, 2011) – Popular light welterweight prospect Danny O’Connor returns to the ring Wednesday night (Sept. 21), fighting for the fourth consecutive year on the Fight To Educate (“FTE”) card, at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.

This trip, however, the crafty southpaw from Framingham, Mass. has a completely new look. He’s now a father who trains in Houston, home of his new trainer, former two-time world title challenger and past Trainer of the Year, Ronnie Shields. More significantly, though, O’Connor (14-1, 3 KOs) no longer has the word “unbeaten” associated with his name having lost his last fight this past April to undefeated Gabriel Bracero on ShoBox. 

“It’s always good fighting on the Fight To Educate card,” the 26-year-old O’Connor said. “This year I pushed to get back on the card (10^th annual FTE), especially coming off my last fight. I made my pro debut here. After surgery I have no health issues. I’m accustomed to the event and the people know me by name. Plus, it’s a great cause. What better place for my comeback? All good things have happened to me there and I’m absolutely thrilled to be fighting on this great show again. I’m also fighting for a charity, the ‘Doug Bolanes Jr. Organization. I’m going to have a lot of people from that group attending the show.”

O’Connor, who was a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, as well as the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament and U.S. Future Stars winner, faces dangerous Jamal Del Cid (7-5, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. 

Chief second Shields has worked with superstars such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker and the lateVernon Forrest. Today, Ronnie handles Danny’s close friend, world-rated, unbeaten super middleweight Edwin “La Bomba”Rodriguez, in addition to WBA Interim super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, Erislandy Lara, Kermit Cintron, Jermall Charlo and Mike Lee.

“I’m at a different level of experience,” the personable Irish-American remarked. “Ronnie Shields really understands what it takes because he was a top fighter. He’s not a coach, but more of a teacher, and I’ve learned from him. You can’t help to be a better fighter being in the gym with him very every day. He’s a nice guy, who is super nice outside of the gym. Inside, though, he is all focused. I’m more confident and going with Ronnie is the best move I’ve made in my boxing career.”

The 10-round main event showcases World Boxing Council (“WBC”) No. 14-rated and 2008 U.S. Olympian, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (14-0, 9 KOs), who faces two-time world title challenger Saul “Baby” Duran (38-18-2, 31 KOs), 

Upset specialist Jose “Stinger” Medina (14-9-1, 6 KOs), from Tilton (NH), will also be in action against Olympic Bronze Medalist Anibel Acevedo (13-7-1, 11 KOs), of Puerto Rico. Medina, a native of Mexico, is coming off a controversial eight-round draw against former world champion Joachim Alcine, in which most observers felt Medina deserved a victory. In January, Medina scored a shocking fourth-round knockout of 17-1 Isaac Rodrigues. As an amateur, Acevedo defeated future pro world champions Shane Moseley, Guillermo Jones and Harry Simon.

Fighting on the undercard in four-round matches are Claremont (NH) lightweight Dan Powers (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Luis Rosario, and Windsor (VT) welterweight Chris Gilbert (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Joey “Mundo” Ortega.

Fight To Educate is a unique charity event that combines a love of sports with the vision of assisting children and seniors in need, who with fundraisers like this could be ‘down for the count.’ During the past nine years, Fight To Educate has raised more than $500,000 in donations benefitting local New Hampshire non-profit organizations.

Proceeds from the 10^th annual Fight To Educate will benefit SEE Science Center (www.see-sciencecenter.org), The Bobby Stephens Fund for Education (www.stepheneducationfund.com), and St. Joseph Community Services/Meals on Wheels (www.mealsonwheelsnh.org).

Tickets, priced at $50.00 and $25.00 (general admission), are available to purchase by going online atwww.ticketmaster.com, calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000, or at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster location.

Table tickets for a night of professional boxing and Black Tie dinner, as well as an auction and meet-and-greet with special boxing legends such as former world heavyweight title challenger “Gentleman” Gerry Cooney, as well as world champions and three of New England’s all-time greatest boxers – Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz,“Irish” Micky Ward and John “The Quietman” Ruiz – are available by calling Stephen Singer at 603.669.4100.

The dinner starts at 5:30 PM/ET, doors for boxing open at 7:30 PM/RT with the first bout scheduled for 8 PM/ET.

Go online to www.fight2educate.com or www.verizonwirelessarena.com for additional information.

FIGHT NOW TV Adds 'In This Corner' Show To Program Line-Up Floyd Mayweather Featured Series Debut

HOBOKEN, New Jersey (September 15, 2011) -- FIGHT NOW TV ^TM -- America’s only 24-hour combat sports and entertainment channel – today announced it has added the long running interview series, In This Corner, to its weekly programming roster.

Hosted by popular boxing personality James “Smitty” Smith, In This Corner brings viewers up close and personal interviews with some of the greatest fighters in boxing history, as well as key contributors to the sweet science and, of course, today’s biggest stars of the squared circle.

Who better to lead off the series debut of In This Corner on FIGHT NOW TV than Floyd “Money” Mayweather, who host James Smith went one-on-one with, in and out of the ring. “Smitty” bravely enters the ring with his guests to have them demonstrate the skills that made them champions.

Additional shows from In This Corner set to air on FIGHT NOW TV feature a Who’s Who of the boxing, ranging from Joe Frazier to Manny Pacquiao, Ray Leonard to Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, Joe Calzaghe, Oscar De La Hoya, Evander Holyfield, Angelo Dundee, Emanuel Steward and many more.

“This is a series that no boxing fan should miss,” said Mike Garrow GM and co-founder of FIGHT NOW TV. “Smitty does a remarkable job at getting some of boxing’s greatest to let their ‘guard down,’ giving viewers an insight to them that truly is unique to In This Corner. We are happy to welcome the series to the channel.”

“We are thrilled to be on FIGHT NOW TV,” noted Smith. “A 24-hour television channel dedicated to combat sports is long overdue. It’s such a natural fit for a series such as ours, allowing boxing fans to see many of their favorite fighters on our show, on a weekly basis.  It also reaches out to other types of fight fans who may not have been exposed to these fascinating life stories and in ring demonstrations that In This Corner delivers every time out.” 

In this Corner is also sponsored by Tecate, a major contributor to boxing and this weekend’s mega event, “Star Power,” featuring Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz, live Saturday (Sept. 17) on PPV.

FIGHT NOW TV is available on Cablevision channel 464 as part of the iO Sports & Entertainment Pak!

FIGHT NOW TV will also be airing the undercard for this Saturday’s event “Star Power,” beginning LIVE at 7 PM/ET.

In This Corner, featuring Floyd Mayweather, will debut on FIGHT NOW TV tomorrow night (Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 PM/ET), prior to the official weigh-in for “Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz,” which will also be aired Live on FIGHT NOW TV beginning at 5:30 PM/ET.

In This Corner will then move to it weekly slot of Monday’s at 8:30 PM/ET on FIGHT NOW TV.

About FIGHT NOW TV:  With offices in New Jersey, Las Vegas and Toronto, FIGHT NOW TV is a cross-platform media company that creates and distributes content through its television, video on demand, and online outlets.

Founded by Channel Zero, Inc and media entrepreneur Mike Garrow and launched earlier this year, FIGHT NOW TV is the first 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week combat sports channel, bringing the best battles, fiercest fights and stunning knockouts to America. FIGHT NOW TV caters to fight fans of every genre, giving them a front row seat to compelling coverage of MMA, boxing, wrestling/grappling, Muay Thai, kickboxing and other combat sports. FIGHT NOW is the place for the best analysis, live and current events, documentaries and news coverage of the biggest PPV events and match-ups from around the globe.

FIGHT NOW TV has also enlisted one of the fight game’s biggest names to join its camp, former UFC champion and MMA legend Randy Couture, who serves as both spokesperson and analyst for the channel.

FIGHT NOW TV, It’s ON! Call Your Television Provider To Order!

Promoter Gary Shaw Ring 8 Sept. Guest Speaker

NEW YORK, NY (September 15, 2011) – World renown boxing promoter Gary Shaw will be the special guest speaker Tuesday evening (Sept. 20) for RING 8’s monthly meeting (7 PM/ET start) at the historic Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City.

In 1971, he first got into boxing as an Inspector for the New Jersey Athletic Commission, serving 28 years including a promotion to Chief Inspector. Gary joined Main Events in 1999 as its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

As President and CEO of Gary Shaw Productions, Shaw has promoted and co-promoted some of the most significant shows in boxing history, including Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson, Felix Trinidad vs. Fernando Vergas, Lewis vs. VitaliKlitschko,Winky Wright vs. Trinidad, Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo, and Shane Mosely vs. Wright. Gary has also promoted many of the biggest names in boxing such as Manny Pacquiao, Tyson, Lewis, Mosley, Vargas, Arturo Gatti, Wright and Corrales.

Today, Gary Shaw Promotions handles many great boxers, among the more notables, former world champions, light heavyweight Chad Dawson and bantamweight Vic Darchinyan, IBF middleweight titlist Danny Geale, and WBA No. 1 cruiserweight contender Lateef Kayode.

“We’re grateful to Gary for taking time out from his very busy schedule to be our guest speaker,” RING 8 president Bob Duffy said. “Few boxing promoters have achieved as much as Gary and his company remains one of the strongest promotional companies in boxing. Our members will learn a lot and hear some great boxing stories.”

Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, RING 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association -- hence, RING “8” --and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting the less fortunate people in the boxing community that may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need. 

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $25.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the thirdTuesday of every month, excluding July and August.

Ontario vs. Quebec (In Boxing)

With all due respect to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadians, the long, rich arch-rivalry in sports between Ontario and Quebec is, perhaps, more prevalent today in boxing than even hockey. The aforementioned rivalry heats up October 22 at The Hersey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, when unbeaten WBA #11 Logan Cotton McGuinness, of Ontario, takes on and former world title challenger Benoit Gaudet, of Quebec, in the 10-round main event on a card presented by Hennessy Sports in association with Interbox and United Promotions.

The adversarial provincial competition continues November 5 at Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec as two-time world champion Steve “The Canadian Kid” Molitor (33-2, 12 KOs), of Ontario, faces Sebastian Gauthier (21-2, 13 KOs), of Quebec, in the co-feature on the Lucian Bute-Glen Johnson card, presented by Interbox.

“The cross-provincial rivalry between Ontario and Quebec is intense in all sports,” promoter Adam Harris (Hennessy Sports) said. “Canada’s rich boxing history is keeping this rivalry going strong today. From Ontario’s Lennox Lewis, George Chuvalo and Tommy Burns, to Quebec’s Arturo Gatti, Lucan Bute and Jean Pascal, both provinces have had so many great boxers over the years, right up to now. We’re proud to be continuing this heated boxing rivalry with McGuiness fighting Gaudet.”

Red-hot prospect McGuinness (15-0-1, 7 KOs), fighting out of Orangeville, Ontario, captured the North American Boxing Association (“NABA”) Lightweight Champion for the past 13 months, but the Irish-Canadian will abdicate his belt in order to challenge Gaudet for the vacant NABA super featherweight title.

The 24-year-old McGuiness forced Buzz Grant to retire on the stool after two rounds in their Sept. 29, 2010 NABA lightweight title fight. He successfully defended his crown this past February, knocking out Hector Julio Avila, and in his last action June 24 via a 10-round decision Daniel Ruiz.
The 31-year-old Gaudet (24-2, 10 KOs), of Drummondville, Quebec, was the Canadian lightweight champion in 2005, as well as the NABA super featherweight champion crown in 2007-2008. Gaudet was stopped by defending champion Humberto Soto in their 2009 WBC super featherweight title fight.

Another rivalry match on the Oct. 22 card pits unbeaten Columbian welterweight Samuel Vargas (7-0-1, 1 KO), fighting out of Mississauga, Ontario, against outspoken Montreal favorite Ahmad Cheikho (6-3-2, 5 KOs) in the 8/10-round co-feature. The relentless, pressuring Vargas has been inactive since February due to an injury and recovery, while Cheikho finds himself in a crossroads fight.

Tickets, starting at $35.00, may be purchased at The Hersey Centre Box Office, through Ticketmaster at 416.872.5000 or ticketmaster.ca

DFW Prospects Featured On Fight Night At QuickTrip Park

Fort Worth’s, Jose Orozco, a five-time Texas Golden Gloves champion and now undefeated at 3-0, as a pro, will take on Adam Ealoms (3-1-2, College Station, Tx) this Friday, Sept. 16th at QuikTrip Park, in Grand Prairie. The Orozco vs Ealoms four round matchup will be one of six fights scheduled on the 4th Annual Fight Night at QuikTrip Park. QuikTrip Park is located next to Lone Star Park and home of the Grand Prairie Airhogs Baseball Club. The first fight is at 7:30 pm.

Also slated for action on the card are Dallas-Fort Worth prospects Ray Ximenez (4-0, Dallas), Hector Vasquez (5-1, Dallas), Nestor Rosas (10-1, Fort Worth) and Jose Rodriguez (1-0, Arlington). See the attached for opponents and the complete Fight Card.

Regular tickets prices are $10, $20, $50 and $60 and are available the QuikTrip Park Box Office or online at www.QuikTripPark.com. To download FREE GENERAL ADMISSION tickets fans can go to www.QuikTripPark.com. For more information, call 972-504-9383.

Lee: From The Moment I Lost To Vera, I Wanted To Avenge it"

WBC #2, WBO #2, and WBC #6 rated middleweight Andy Lee (26-1, 19 KOs) spoke Wednesday about his much anticipated rematch against Brian Vera (19-5, 12 KOs), the only man to defeat him as a professional, on October 1st at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. “I didn’t need the rematch to further my career, but it’s something I’ve wanted,” said Lee. “From the moment I lost to Vera, I’ve wanted to avenge it. It has taken three and a half years to get to this point, but now we are finally almost here.

“The fight makes sense, he is on a winning streak coming off his best win against Sergio Mora, and I’m on a streak now as well, so it makes sense not only as a personal matter but as a boxing matter also. The winner of this fight is a legitimate contender for the middleweight title so this is a very big and important fight for us, and for boxing. Vera’s a tough man, he comes to the ring to fight, and he’s heavy handed. But I’m ready, I feel great. I know it’s an old cliché that everyone says they have had the best training camp, but I really have. I’m in good form, and my work in the gym during this camp has exceeded all of my previous training camps. Everything is all set for me to have a good performance.”

“I’m not going to jinx myself by making any predictions. I’m going to go in there and box and if there is a chance for a knockout then I’m going to take it, but if I win a 10-round decision that will be just as sweet. There is a good buzz going around New York and throughout the different Irish communities here about the fight and I expect a good crowd, and it will give me an extra incentive to put on a good performance.”

Serferi-Ingelrest Set For Sept 24th

WBO #5 cruiserweight Nuri “Albanian Tyson” Seferi (30-6, 18 KOs) will defend his WBO Euro title against unbeaten Belgian Tony Ingelrest (10-0, 4KOs) on September 24 in Gostivar, Macedonia. Seferi trained hard for his second title defense and assures that the title remains in Albania. The most important man in Seferi’s camp is trainer Oktay Urkal. They are aiming for a WBO title shot in 2012.

Fury Expects A Real Test Against Firtha

6’9 heavyweight Tyson Fury is ready for the next step following his win over Dereck Chisora in July at Wembley Arena and now expects 6’6 Nicolai Firtha to be a real test of his credentials on Saturday in Belfast’s King’s Hall. “Firtha’s a big man with plenty of heart and skill so I know I have to be ready for a really hard fight but I want fights like this, I want to be tested because I want to go to the top as quickly as I can,” said Fury. “I don’t want to be fighting bums. This guy has been the distance with the WBA World heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin so if I do a number on him then it shows everybody again that I’m the real deal, that I’m the man to fear in the division.”

Cleverly Ready For Bellew

It’s been four months since the pair first squared off at the infamous press conference at London’s O2 Arena and WBO World Light-Heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly now can’t wait to finally get in the ring with Tony Bellew. There has been plenty of tension between the two unbeaten boxers heading into the October 15th blockbuster at the Liverpool Echo Arena, but Cleverly is looking forward to finally stepping between the ropes.

“I’m looking forward to the fight right now,” he said. “A lot has been said, and there has been a lot of hype around the fight, but I’m glad all the press conferences are done now and I can concentrate on training.

“We can finally get on with business, this is where the real talking begins – with out fists,

“I’m raring to go, I’ve been training well, there’s not that long to go until the fight and we can finally see who’s number one once and for all.”

During the five-month build up to the showdown there has been a lot of bad blood between the duo, however Cleverly has some respect for his rival.

“It’s a challenge and I’m not taking it lightly,” Cleverly continued. “I have respect for my opponent, at the end of the day once you’re in that ring you’ve got to have respect for your opponent,

“He’ll be in there trying to win the fight as well and anything can happen. In training, if you haven’t got any respect for your opponent it is difficult to get motivated and you’ll end up taking that attitude into the fight,

“It’s important you respect all your opponents, regardless of their records, weather they are a big name or not, you’ve got to appear like a champion and I’m making sure I do that.”

With that being said Cleverly hasn’t seen much from his opponent that is giving him sleepless nights.

“Tony’s recent performances have been okay,” the 24-year-old commented. “He had an up and down fight with Ovill McKenzie and I think that showed his level really.

“Obviously he won quite comfortably in the rematch, he boxed okay, nothing special but it was bad either, it was a solid performance.

“He’s going to be a decent test for me but I can’t see it being anything greater than that.”

Cleverly is currently unbeaten in 22 fights and will be looking to make that 23. Should he win, comparisons will start to be drawn with unbeaten Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe.

“It nice to be mentioned in the same way as Joe actually and in that type of company, and to be expected to emulated those kind of achievements is a bit of a boost for me,

“It shows people have expectations of me and they really expect me to go on and achieve big things. That in turn can give you great confidence and I do take confidence from that,

“In a way you really want to go out there and prove your supporters and fans right and not to let them down.” 

Siaca, Arroyo Headline "A Puno Limpio" Oct 7th

Former WBA champion Manny Siaca and hot prospect McJoe Arroyo will headline the 7th edition of the series “A Puño Limpio” next October 7 at the Coliseo Rebekah Colberg in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico in a PR Best Boxing Promotions presentation, in association with Top Rank, to be shown live on WAPA America from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

“We move now to the west area of Puerto Rico to present this A Puño Limpio with an eight bouts show, and a title bout where Manny Siaca is back in the middleweight division and the second bout, after a seven month rest, of McJoe Arroyo. Also we will present many fighters of the western area in the show”, promoter Ivan Rivera said.

Siaca (22-7, 19 KOs), who held the 168 pounds WBA title in 2004, will fight for the first time since his defeat against Danny Green for the IBO Cruiserweight championship on April 2010. His fight in A Puño Limpio is for the WBO Latino title in the Middleweight division.

Meanwhile, former olympian Arroyo (8-0, 5 KOs), is back for a six round fight in the superflyweight division (115 pounds). Arroyo beat Ivan Moxey by TKO in the first round last September 2 in Bayamon.

Photos: Mayweather-Ortiz Final Presser



Las Vegas, MGM Grand- Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Victor Ortiz met face to face at the final press conference, which took place at the Hollywood Theater at the MGM Grand. Mayweather challenges Ortiz for the WBC welterweight title on Saturday night. Both fighters have vowed to win by knockout.















Jack Nolan Will Call The 'Fight Like A Champion' Broadcast On Toprank.tv

Jack Nolan, the voice of Notre Dame basketball for three decades, and former boxing champion Harold Brazier of South Bend, Ind. will call the ‘Fight Like A Champion’ broadcast on Toprank.tv featuring undefeated light heavyweight Mike Lee at Notre Dame on Friday, September 16. Lee, a Notre Dame graduate who majored in finance, will take on Jacob Stiers of Kansas City in the main event. ‘Fight Like A Champion’ will be at the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center in South Bend on the eve of the Notre Dame vs. Michigan State football game. Lee has pledged that all profits will be donated to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation and the Robinson Community Learning Center in South Bend. Top Rank and the Mike Lee Foundation are promoting. There are seven bouts on the card. The Toprank.tv broadcast will get underway at 9 pm eastern, 6 pm pacific.

Hatton Back In The Corner

RICKY 'THE HITMAN' HATTON has been successful in applying to the British Boxing Board of Control for his seconds and trainers licences.

The former two-weight world champion is now looking forward to training a successful stable of boxers based at the Hatton Health and Fitness gym in Hyde.

Hatton, 32, who passed a battery of tests to win back his seconds licence at the weekend will now be allowed to work in corners again.

He said: "The Board have shown great faith in me by handing back my seconds licence and giving me a trainers licence for the first time.

"It means they are putting their trust in me to go in a corner with a boxer and look after his welfare."

Hatton's seconds and managers licences was taken off him last year while he was treated for depression, but the BBB of C are now satisfied that he has returned to full health.

Ricky has been working with Bob Shannon's fighters in the gym and he will continue assisting the experienced trainer in the near future.

Hatton explained: "I have been in the gym helping Bob's fighters and that was the whole purpose of deciding to take a trainers licence.

"I left school when I was 16-years-old and apart from fitting a few carpets badly for my dad, the only job I have had is boxing.

"I am dedicated to being a trainer as much as I was being a fighter because boxing is a hard game and you only get once chance.

"I have got that little spring in my step and I hope it won't be long before future champions start knocking on my door asking me to train them.

"I am fully on board running my businesses, but my office has always been the boxing gym and that is where I give my best advice.

"It makes sense to go into coaching because I am involved in the game I love.

"It was hard to come to terms with retirement, and boxing is the best feeling in the world, but the next best thing is throwing punches for one of your fighters."

The most popular fighter in British boxing history recently took complete control of his business empire, and has delayed re-applying for his managers licence because of them busy schedule.

He added: "I am promoting, training and taken charge of the Hatton group which keeps me busy right now.

"I will eventually manage fighters, but there won't be an abundance of them because I have so many irons in the fire at the minute."

For exclusive footage of Ricky working to earn his licences log onto http://hattonboxing.com/tv/news/ricky-hatton-takes-boxing-board-trainer's-course

Arellano vs. Ruiz Jr. On September 23rd

Orange, Ca (September 14, 2011) - With Jose Reynoso sidelined due to a hand injury while sparring, Thompson Boxing Promotions' "Locked N' Loaded" event scheduled for Friday, September 23rd will now see Jonathan "Lil' Thund'r" Arellano (9-0-1, 2 KOs) in an eight round super bantamweight showdown with Mike Ruiz, Jr. (8-0-1, 3 KOs) for the World Boxing Council (WBC) youth intercontinental title move into the main event slot at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario.

Upon hearing about the changes on the card both undefeated pugilists swore to their commitment to walk out of the ring victorious. The super bantamweight main event is full of promise for a "take no prisoners", non-stop action blow out.

Said Arellano, "I am really excited about my new opponent. This is a great opportunity for me to show people how dedicated I am to my craft. As I climb up the ladder I will encounter tough challenges like Ruiz but I don't see myself losing to him or anybody. This gets me one step closer to my dream of becoming a champion."

Added Ruiz, Jr., "It's been a great fight camp. My trainer, Danovis Pooler, has me in great shape, I will give the fans a hell of a fight because on September 23rd I am going into the ring to what I always do which is win."

In the co-main event, scheduled for six rounds in the strawweight division, Riverside's Sindy Amador (4-0, 1 KO) will face against the crafty Mayela Perez (4-14-2, 3 KOs) who hails out of Saltillo, Mexico.

Tickets for "LOCKED N' LOADED" are priced at $75, $45, and $30. They are available now and may be purchased by calling 714-935-0900.

In undercard action...

Thompson's Boxing Promotions newly signed Richard "El Terminador" Contreras will lock horns against Olvin Mejia of Laredo, Texas in a six-round junior featherweight showdown. The powerful Contreras (6-0, 5 KOs) fights out of Riverside and will look to stop Mejia (4-4-3, 4 KOs) in order to maintain his flawless record.

A six-round welterweight clash features Venezuela's Jhon Ortega (6-0-1, 6 KOs) against Riverside's Alex Viramontes (9-8, 3 KOs). The Power punching Ortega, a fighting machine, has an unblemished record and is quickly building a reputation as a knockout artist.

Rounding out the card will showcase Colton's John Berrelleza matched up against El Paso's Alberto Tovar in four round bantamweight competition. Both fighters are making their pro debut. Welterweights Rashad Hughes of Riverside (0-1) and Los Angeles based Rigoberto Flores (0-1) trade leather in a four round bout. Also scheduled on the card and making is pro debut is Colton's Fernando Rojas against an opponent who will be announced shortly.

"Locked N' Loaded" is presented by LUCAS OIL "It Works!" and will be aired on FOX DEPORTES at a later date to be announced.

Bouts subject to change. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the first bell rings at 7:30 pm. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 North Vineyard Avenue in Ontario. The hotel phone number is 909-937-0900.
Ends 

Carl Froch To Perform Live Prizefighter Light Middleweights II Draw

Fighters weigh-in ahead of sold-out Sky Sports show

World Boxing Council (WBC) Super-Middleweight champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch will perform the first ever live fight-night draw at tomorrow’s sold-out Prizefighter Light-Middleweights II at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1.

The Nottingham star will lead the eight contenders to the ring with none of the fighters knowing who they will face in the quarter-finals. In another first for Prizefighter, Ryan ‘Crash Bang’ Taylor takes on Dan Carr in the first “Prizefighter Prospect” before the action gets underway.

Fight fans should get to the venue early to see Londoner Taylor make his pro debut. The 23 year-old fights out of Tony Sims’ gym alongside ‘Dazzling’ Darren Barker and Lee ‘Lights Out’ Purdy, and is aiming to turn his amateur talents into professional victories, having won numerous titles and fought in New York’s prestigious Golden Gloves – the doors at York Hall open at 6.30pm.

Tomorrow’s Prizefighter line-up is led by former two-weight World champion Takaloo who returns to primetime boxing after three years out of the ring.

Adding some razzmatazz to proceedings is Peterborough’s JJ Bird, the 24 year-old who finished fourth in the last series of Big Brother, who will bank on support from flatmate Aston Merrygold from pop group JLS as he returns to the ring after two years out of action.

‘The Raging Bull’ Peter Vaughan will be full of confidence after outpointing previously unbeaten Phill Fury in a real war on the Tyson Fury vs. Dereck Chisora undercard at Wembley Arena in July, taking his record to three wins and one draw.

Hampshire fighter Wayne Goddard takes a 9-0 record into the tournament while Brentwood’s Kris Agyei-Dua has three points wins to his name since making his pro debut at 30 years-old in February.

Steve Harkin’s place in the line-up came down to his loyal followers, as fans of the 29 year-old from Liverpool began a campaign on Twitter that sees the 5-1-2 fighter become the seventh name in the mix. Harkin’s Merseyside compatriot Nick Quigley and Blackpool’s Jeff Thomas complete the line-up.

Prizefighter Light Middleweights II weigh-in results

Kris Agyei-Dua (11st 1lb 4oz)

JJ Bird (11st 1lb 13oz)

Wayne Goddard (11st 1lb 3oz)

Steve Harkin (10st 13lb 3oz)

Nick Quigley (11st 1lb 7oz)

Takaloo (11st 1lb 5oz)

Jeff Thomas (11st 1lb 8oz)

Peter Vaughan (11st 14oz)

Reserves:

Robert Lloyd-Taylor (11st 2lb)

Nathan Weise (10st 13lb 3oz) 

"Homeboy" McEwan: I Don't Blame Freddie Roach For Favouring Pacquiao And Khan

It is over 6 months since Hollywood-based Scottish middleweight Craig McEwan lost by TKO to Andy Lee in the final round of an action-packed battle in Connecticut.

In the aftermath of that bout, where he had out-thought and out-fought the highly-touted Lee for the first seven rounds, the world of professional boxing was singing the Edinburgh fighter's praises.

In spite of the loss, Oscar dela Hoya's Goldenboy Promotions had extended his contract and HBO were telling him that he was the explosive type of fighter they wanted for their pay-per-view fight nights. 

So why did McEwan decide that night to pack his bags and return with his family to continue his career in Scotland?

"I had been boxing out of Freddy Roach's Wildcard gym in Hollywood for 5 years but I was making no progress. Freddy was heavily involved with the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan who could pay him megabucks and I don't blame him for following the money. But I had to think of my wife and kids. It was clear to me that I was not well enough prepared, physically, to go ten hard rounds with boxers of the quality of Andy Lee. Freddie took me to nineteen fights undefeated and I'm grateful to him for that but he was doing almost nothing with me latterly."

McEwan is now training at Billy Nelson's Fighting Scots gym in Stepps and believes that he is in the best shape of his life.

"Billy believes in high-tempo, one-on-one training with an emphasis on stamina and strength and that's what I've been needing" says McEwan.

"Now all I need is a fight!" he jokes, and there lies his next problem because while Goldenboy have been tantalising him with promises of big fights in glittering venues against top opponents none have yet been forthcoming.

Craig explains "I had been promised a bout on the undercard of Mayweather v Ortiz in Vegas on September 17th and I got into hard training with Billy but, after hearing nothing from them for weeks, I was told I was off that card and that they were trying to set me up on an HBO show in Mexico. Big names like Kassim Ouma, Sergio Mora and Alfredo Angulo were touted but they have come to nothing. As it stands I'm still pencilled in for a show in Mexico on 5th of November. I know it is hard for Goldenboy and HBO to set these things up but it is worse for us boxers, working our socks off and sweating blood in the gym, just to see "pay day" being moved further and further away!"

So has he any regrets about walking away from Hollywood?

"None at all though I miss the friends I made there. But one of the problems with boxing abroad is that you have no domestic fan base to come and watch your fights and although I collected a lot of support in the States I would have had a much greater following if I'd been working out off Scotland. The support which Ricky Hatton took to America to fight Mayweather should have been a wake-up call to American promoters and TV companies but they still don't seem to realise the potential there is in British professional boxing. I am trying to persuade Goldenboy that getting me fights over here will benefit everyone and, to be fair, they are making positive noises."

McEwan also admits that the long gaps between fights are taking their toll financially. "In LA the terms of my visa meant that my wife Sally and I couldn't work so money was always tight and that situation has continued now we're back in Scotland. Fortunately, I've been getting some local sponsorship to help with travelling and training expenses from companies like Apex Roofing and Stenhouse Motors. They are keen to support local athletes and they have been a big help." And he adds with a smile "Hopefully they'll get their reward when the world sees their names on my shorts winning that WBC title next year!"
Don't rule him out! Today Craig McEwan is a wiser man, he's on a mission and he has world titles in his sights!

FIGHT NOW TV Delivers Wall-To-Wall Live Coverage And Live Undercard Of "Star Power"

HOBOKEN, New Jersey (September 14, 2011) -- FIGHT NOW TV TM -- America’s only 24-hour combat sports and entertainment channel – today announced its wall-to-wall news coverage of “Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz,” with the live airing of today’s final press conference live on the channel at 4 PM/ET, building-up for Saturday night’s (Sept. 17) mega-event on Pay Per View.

FIGHT NOW TV will also offer complete live coverage of tomorrow’s (Thursday) “Star Power” media tour finale, 2 PM/ET-6 PM/ET, followed by a special edition of the popular Talking Boxing with Billy C show. Billy C’s guests and viewers alike will be able to discuss all of the hype leading-up to the exciting triple title belt showdown on Saturday night’s “Star Power” PPV event.

The coverage continues Friday as FIGHT NOW TV serves-up the official “Star Power” weigh-in live on its channel, beginning at 5:30 PM/ET, followed by another live special of Talkin Boxing with Billy C, offering viewers a final look at all the combatants taking part in the “Star Power” event.

FIGHT NOW TV will air Saturday night’s “Star Power” undercard, starting at 7 PM/ET and showcasing welterweight Said Ouali (28-3, 20 KOs) vs. Carson Jones (31-8-2, 21 KOs) and middleweight Dion Savage (10-1, 6 KOs) vs. Adonis Stevenson (14-1, 11 KOs).

Be sure to the catch “STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz,” promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, live Saturday night on Pay-Per-View (9:00 PM/ET),

Be sure to tune back to FIGHT NOW TV after the final bell rings for LIVE post fight special on the channel as Billy C and his special guests break down all the action from that night’s event.

“This is what FIGHT NOW TV is all about,” said Mike Garrow, GM and co- founder of the channel. “We have created a destination for fight fans to come to -- 24/7 -- in order to watch all of the build-up from the press conference through weigh-in, plus breaking down match-ups and providing post fight analysis.It’s made for a great week of unique programming on our channel.

“We would equally like to thank HBO sports, Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Swanson Communications for their amazing cooperation in order for us to deliver this unique coverage on our channel.”

FIGHT NOW TV is available on Cablevision channel 464 as part of the iO Sports & Entertainment Pak!

About FIGHT NOW TV:With offices in New Jersey, Las Vegas and Toronto, FIGHT NOW TV is a cross-platform media company that creates and distributes content through its television, video on demand, and online outlets.

Founded by Channel Zero, Inc and media entrepreneur Mike Garrow and launched earlier this year, FIGHT NOW TV is the first 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week combat sports channel, bringing the best battles, fiercest fights and stunning knockouts to America. FIGHT NOW TV caters to fight fans of every genre, giving them a front row seat to compelling coverage of MMA, boxing, wrestling/grappling, Muay Thai, kickboxing and other combat sports. FIGHT NOW is the place for the best analysis, live and current events, documentaries and news coverage of the biggest PPV events and match-ups from around the globe.

FIGHT NOW TV has also enlisted one of the fight game’s biggest names to join its camp, former UFC champion and MMA legendRandy Couture, who serves as both spokesperson and analyst for the channel.

FIGHT NOW TV, It’s ON! Call Your Television Provider To Order!

About “STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” is a mega-event taking place Saturday, Sept. 17 from two world-class cities with three world titles at stake. Floyd Mayweatherand Victor Ortiz will face off in a 12-round fight for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Title from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.Canelo Alvarez and Alfonso Gomezwill do battle in a 12-round fight for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Title from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Also live in Las Vegas will be Erik Morales vs. Pablo Cesar Cano in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title and an opening fight featuring undefeated rising starJessie Vargas against top contender Josesito Lopez. The mega event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools, AT&T and Southwest Airlines. Alvarez vs. Gomez is presented in association with Canelo Promotions and Morales vs. Cano is presented in association with Box Latino Promotions. “STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 PM/PT.

For more information about FIGHT NOW TV go on line at www.fightnow.com, or follow on Twitter@fightnowtv and Facebook.com/fightnowtv.

Calderon-Garcia Confirmed For Oct 29th

WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel confirmed today that former world champions Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon (105 and 108 pounds) and Raul “Rayito” Garcia (105 pounds) will collide on October 29 in Puerto Rico as part of the WBO 24th Convention for the mini-flyweight interim title. Valcárcel was in Mexico last week and learned that Moises Fuentes, the WBO 105lb champion, hurt his nose in his win over Garcia last August 27, and “he can’t fight soon. Therefore, Calderon (34-2-1, 6 KOs) and Garcia (30-2-1, 18 KOs) will fight for the interim title headlining the card as part of the WBO Convention”.

Peter Rivera, PR Best Boxing Promotions vice-president, said that they are working on a venue for the show, but it seems it will be the Coliseo Mario “Quijote” Morales in Guaynabo.

SHOWTIME Adds Kessler-Stieglitz

SHOWTIME® will televise yet another important super middleweight world championship bout when former world titlist Mikkel Kessler of Denmark returns to the ring to challenge WBO kingpin Robert Stieglitz of Germany on Saturday, Nov. 5, from renowned Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark. The WBO championship fight will be shown on same-day delay and precede the IBF super middleweight title fight between unbeaten defending champion Lucian Bute and Glen Johnson live on SHOWTIME from Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Canada (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The Nov. 5 doubleheader will take place just seven days after world champions Andre Ward (WBA) and Carl Froch (WBC) collide in The Final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic on Saturday, Oct. 29 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

The addition of Stieglitz vs. Kessler to the Nov. 5 telecast completes a lineup that puts all four super middleweight world titles up for grabs, along with The RING magazine belt and the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup, in back-to-back Saturdays on SHOWTIME.

Stieglitz (40-2, 23 KOs) is at the peak of his game. The 5-foot-11, Russian-born boxer-puncher has won nine consecutive fights and 11 of his last 12. He’ll be making the fifth defense of the WBO belt he won in Hungary on an upset, come-from-behind 11th-round TKO over Karoly Balzsay in August 2009.

“I have a lot of respect for Kessler but he will not take my crown away from me,” said Stieglitz. “It may be that he is a national hero in Denmark, such as Karoly Balzsay was in Hungary, but I travelled there, defeated him and became world champion. The home advantage did not help Balzsay at all and it will not help Mikkel Kessler either. I will defend my title.”
In his most recent outing and lone start this year on April 9, the 30-year-old Stieglitz retained his crown when challenger Khoren Gevor was disqualified at 2:45 of the 10th-round for an intentional headbutt in Germany. In April of 2010, Stieglitz’ unanimous decision over Eduard Gutknecht was dubbed Fight of the Year in Germany.

A true sportsman in and out of the ring who idolizes the Klitschko brothers, Stieglitz is a confident and technically sound boxer with good conditioning and strength. He’s improved most areas of his game in recent years and competes with the poise of a world champion.

As Stieglitz hasn’t fought the caliber of opponents as his challenger, he views the fight against Kessler as a chance to boost his profile in the talent-laden 168-pound division.

Kessler (44-2, 33 KOs) is a former WBA titleholder and WBC titleholder. The 32-year-old is coming off a thoroughly dominant sixth-round TKO over outclassed Mehdi Bouadla last June 4 for the vacant WBO European crown on SHOWTIME. Making his first start in 14 months, Kessler scored four knockdowns – one in the third and fourth and two in the sixth – before the one-sided proceedings were halted at 2:25.

The victory was especially satisfying to the popular, 6-foot-1 Kessler because he escaped virtually unmarked in his first bout since a potentially career-ending eye injury had forced him to withdraw from the Super Six and vacate his WBC title. Prior to leaving the tournament, Kessler was riding high after capturing the WBC crown with an exciting 12-round, unanimous decision slugfest over the then-undefeated Froch on April 24, 2010.

“I look forward to be fighting on SHOWTIME again,” said Kessler. “I want to show the fans in the U.S. that I am the world´s best super-middleweight. After my successful comeback in June, the next step is to become world champion for a fourth time. The fight against Robert Stieglitz will be exciting. He is technically very strong and he deserves to be holding that belt, but I think that I am better and that I will take the title away from him. It will be a great night of boxing with my passionate Danish fans raising the roof at world-famous PARKEN Stadium.”

Kessler, who’s ranked #1 in the WBO, attained the WBA belt in June 2008 and made two successful defenses before losing to Ward on an 11th-round technical decision in Group Stage 1 of the Super Six on Nov. 21, 2009, on SHOWTIME. The Dane’s only other defeat came on a 12-round decision to future Hall-of-Famer Joe Calzaghe on Nov. 3, 2007.

The world title fight in Denmark is promoted by Sauerland Event and SES Boxing; the world title fight in Canada by Interbox, DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing.

Donaire-Narvaez Ticket Info

World Bantamweight Champion and Top-Five pound for pound fighter Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire will make his New York debut in an exciting title defense against undefeated two-division world champion Omar “El Huracán” Narvaez, Saturday, October 22, in the Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, the Donaire-Narvaez world title tilt will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark, beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.)

Tickets to Donaire vs. Narvaez, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, including applicable service charges, go on sale Tomorrow! Thursday, September 15, at Noon ET, and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com, and all Ticketmaster outlets.

“The electricity in New York fights is unlike any city. New York has long been the Mecca of boxing and when you are able to bring in one of the pound-for-pound greats, like Nonito Donaire, it is great for the sport and great for his development and marketability,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank.

“Nonito Donaire is one of the sport’s most compelling prizefighters and we are thrilled to have him back on network,” said Kery Davis, senior vice president, HBO Sports. “Meeting undefeated Omar Narvaez in the venerable Theater at Madison Square Garden should make for an exciting night of television on HBO.”

Donaire (26-1, 18 KOs), a native of General Santos City, Philippines, now living in the Bay Area of San Leandro, Calif., is a consensus top-five pound for pound fighter. He enters this fight riding a nine-year, 25-bout winning streak, which includes an IBF/IBO flyweight title knockout victory of defending champion Vic Darchinyan, and a fourth-round blasting of former WBA bantamweight champion Wladimir Sidorenko last December. However, Donaire’s most impressive victory occurred in his last fight, on February 19, when he knocked out defending WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel in the second round, ending Montiel’s 25-bout winning streak while also claiming his third world title in as many weight divisions. Ten of Donaire’s last 11 victories have come by way of knockout.

Narvaez (35-0-2, 23 KOs), of Cordoba, Argentina, a two-time Olympian, will be making his U.S. debut. The undefeated southpaw captured his first world title – the WBO flyweight championship – in his 12th professional fight, knocking down interim champion Adonis Rivas in the seventh round en route to a dominant unanimous decision in 2002. Narvaez successfully defended his title 16 times during his seven-year reign before vacating it in early 2010 to campaign at a heavier weight class. He won the vacant WBO junior bantamweight title in May 2010, pitching a near shutout to win a unanimous decision over Everth Briceno. Narvaez, one of South America’s most popular fighters, has successfully defended his new title three times, all by unanimous decision, against opponents who had a combined record of 54-2 when he fought them.

Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. ET with the first bell at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Undefeated Heavyweights Added To Robert Treat Hotel Card

This Wednesday night’s big card at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark just got bigger as a battle of young, undefeated heavyweights has been added to the event. John Lennox will take on former world amateur champion Joey Dawejko in a four round bout.

The card is promoted by Vincent Ponte’s Gulfstream productions along with Gabe LaConte.

Lennox of nearby Carteret, New Jersey has a record of 6-0 with three wins coming via knockout.

Lennox has built a big following and the former college football star is looking for the biggest win of his pro career.

This will be Lennox’ fourth fight of 2011 and third career appearance at The Robert Treat Hotel.

In his last bout, Lennox scored a 2nd round stoppage over Jason Pauley on July 29th in Philadelphia.

In his last appearance at the Robert Treat, Lennox scored a first round disqualification verdict over Kareem Wilson on June 22nd.

“We know that this will be a tough fight, but we also know that a fighter needs to take a step up. Dawejko has a great reputation and we anticipate it will be a tough fight but we know that John is in tremendous shape and will fight a great fight and he will have his hand raised at the end of these four rounds.” said Rich Massini, the manager of Lennox.

Dawejko of Philadelphia is 4-0 with one knockout and is a former world Jr. amateur champion who has created a big reputation on the east coast.

“I appreciate this opportunity that John took this fight. I have been off since January but I am looking forward to coming back with an impressive win”, said Dewejko.

In his last bout, Dawejko scored a four round unanimous decision over Taffo Asongwed on January 22nd in Chester, PA.

That Lennox-Dawekjok matchup is part of a huge night of boxing.

In the main event, Michael Torres (13-2,7 KOs) of Jersey City, NJ taking on Mark Alexander (10-5, 1 KO) of London, England in a ten round Jr. welterweight bout.

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna takes on Josh Williams for the BAM Youth title.

Vinny O’Brien battles debuting Carlos Velez in a four round welterweight bout.

In a battle of lightweights from Newark, Carlos Vinan (10-9-4, 2 KOs) goes toe-to-toe with Wanzell Ellison (4-0, 3 KOs) in a six round bout.

Tyrone Luckey (4-1, 4 KOs) of Middletown, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a four round lightweight bout.

Tyabb Beale (4-3, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ will fight Taffo Asongwed (2-8-7) of Montreal in a four round heavyweight tussle.

John Bolden (2-1, 2 KOs) of New York will see action against Eric Newell (1-1, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA in a four round heavyweight bout.

Rounding out the card will be John Thompson (1-0, 1 KO) of Newark battling Lee Snow of Baltimore in a four round Super Middleweight bout.

Renee Aiken is the matchmaker for this card

Tickets are $100 (VIP), $50, or $30 and are still available at the box office.

The Grand Ballroom at the Robert Treat Hotel is located at 50 Park Place, Newark NJ. Doors open at 6:30p and the first bout 7:30p.

Haye: I'll Knock Vitali Out

In an interview with German newspaper “Die Welt” former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye dared WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko to fight him. “I’ll knock him out, I’ll smash his chin if he holds it out like he did again Adamek,” said Haye. “But still I can not imagine that Vitali has the courage. If he does, I guarantee I’ll send him into retirement. He will never fight again and will be able to devote himself full time to politics.”

Haye also claimed that Wladimir Klitschko ran away from him or clinched and pulled him to the ground in their fight and that “I hit harder than the two brothers together. I am also much faster, more agile and much, much harder to hit.”

Huck Returns October 22nd

WBO cruiserweight world champion Marco Huck (33-1, 24 KOs) is returning to the ring on October 22 at the Arena Ludwigsburg in Ludwigsburg, Germany. No opponent has been named yet. “Negotiations are nearing completion,” Sauerland Event managing director Chris Meyer reveals. “But I can already promise that the audience can look forward to an exciting world championship fight.”

Ricky Burns To Vacate Belt And Move To Lightweight

WBO super featherweight champion Ricky Burns is about to announce he will vacate his belt and move to lightweight according to manager Alex Morrison. Burns is said to have a November 12 date lined up against Michael Katsidis for the interim WBO lightweight title at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, Scotland.

Weights From Newark, NJ

Michael Torres 140 vs. Mark Alexander 140
(NJ State jr. welterweight title)
Thomas LaManna 156 vs. Josh Williams 156 ½ lbs
(BAM Youth Title)
Carlos Vinan 129 vs. Wanzell Ellison 129 ½
Joey Dawejko 234 vs. John Lennox 217
Tyabb Beale 233 vs. Taffo Asongwed 234 ½
Vinny O’Brien 146 vs. Carlos Velez 147
Jon Bolden 218 vs. Eric Newell 250
John Thompson 158 vs. Lee Snow 165
Venue: Robert Treat Hotel
Promoter: Vincent Ponte’s Gulfstream Boxing & Gabe LaConte
1st Bell: 7:30 pm EST.

"Star Power" UStream Coverage Continues With Live Stream Of Final Presser

Los Angeles (Sept. 14)... Click HERE at 3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT to catch the "STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" final press conference featuring all of the event's pay per viewfighters. Floyd Mayweather, Victor Ortiz, Erik Morales, Pablo Cesar Cano, Jessie Vargas and Josesito Lopez will be together at the Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand and Canelo Alvarez and Alfonso Gomez will join via satellite from Los Angeles to discuss their respective fights. The exciting schedule of USTREAM feeds will conclude on Friday with the official weigh-in. Fans from around the world can enjoy these live streams anywhere they can access the internet.

Young world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is ready to fight, he is eager to duke it out against Alfonso Gomez, he showed his speed and power in a public training session at the Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles, California. The Mexican star is already in fighting shape and only 3 pounds over the weight limit of 154 pounds, he did 10 rounds of shadow boxing, skipped rope, hit the heavy bag, and the speed bag as the crowd and media enjoyed this great workout. “I am very motivated, I respect Alfonso Gomez, he knows what I have and i know what I have, so it is just a matter to step into the ring and follow the game plan and win the fight,” said a very confident Alvarez.

Regarding the main event fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz and the possibility of stealing the show on September 17th Canelo said “It that happens it will be big for me, it is very important for my career but I know that Floyd and Victor are tremendous fighters and it should be a very tough fight, I will only do my job and make the people happy,” concluded the WBC super welterweight champion of the world.”

Team Mendez Wants Rematch Immediately With Salgado

Super featherweight contender Argenis Mendez is asking for an immediate rematch after his narrow loss to Juan Carlos Salgado for the vacant IBF super featherweight championship Saturday night. If an immediate rematch is not granted, Team Mendez hopes that they will at least retain their top position in the IBF ratings, so that a rematch with Salgado can be made in the very near future. Promoter Lou DiBella stated “A rematch between Salgado and Mendez would be a terrific opening fight for Boxing After Dark or Showtime. If Gamboa is really moving up to 130 he will need quality opposition and a real champion to face.”

Winky Wright Helping Dawson Get Ready For Hopkins Bout On October 15th

Former world champion and one-time Bernard Hopkins opponent, Ronald “Winky” Wright is in camp in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, serving as a training advisor to former light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson, as Dawson prepares to face the current WBC light heavyweight champion Hopkins on PPV October 15, at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Dawson had been training with the legendary Emanuel Steward for his last fight, a victory over Adrian Diaconu, but geography forced an ending to their partnership and a reunion with former trainer John Scully.

The bout was tentatively scheduled to take place in Cancun, Mexico on November 5 and was slated to be aired by HBO, giving both fighters the platform top level fighters normally crave. “We offered him everything in this fight, the winner would fight in a WBC world title fight, neutral officials so he wouldn’t feel uncomfortable about fighting in Mexico and he would have made three times more for this fight than he’s ever made before,” said Angulo. “I guess he loves that 30-0 record more than actually fighting real fights against real fighters.”

Team Martirosyan Explains Why Won't Face Angulo

Team Martirosyan would like to offer an explanation as to why an offer to face Alfredo Angulo was rejected. While it is always an honor to fight on HBO and to face a great fighter such as Angulo, the circumstances have to be right. Serge Martirosyan, who is both Vanes’ uncle and manager stated, “Both Angulo and Vanes are warriors. In my opinion they would both beat all of the belt holders at 154 pounds. Why should they fight each other now without a belt involved? They can fight later in a unification fight for a lot more money.”

The elder Martirosyan understands the position of the fans and sees why they would want to see such an intriguing match up. He feels that Angulo and Vanes should both get shots at some of the other champions out there and then face each other in a fight that would really mean something. Serge went on to say that he would like to see the champions of the division step up and face the top contenders instead of fighters from other weight divisions.

“I think it would be a really good fight and I can see why the fans want to see it but these guys work their asses off their whole life to get to this point,” explained Martirosyan. “Angulo and Vanes both deserve to get compensated accordingly for this fight. These other champs at 154 are fighting welterweights. They should be fighting top 10 ranked junior middleweights and not welterweights. They should fight Angulo and Vanes.”

Vanes’ manager explained the situation further by offering a timeline of events,
“First we were the number one contender for the WBC belt when they let (Saul) Alvarez fight a welterweight (Mathew Hatton) for the belt. To appease Vanes, they let him fight for the Silver belt. Vanes won the belt so he was again set to fight Alvarez. Then they ordered Vanes to fight Angulo in another eliminator. We said okay again and then they said that it would have to be in Mexico. We would have agreed but to top it off, they offered just a little more money to Vanes than what he got when he fought Joe Greene in New York so we had to say no.”

The Glendale, CA based fighter’s uncle believes that the proposed Martirosyan-Angulo eliminator was a setup from the beginning. He feels that it is just a way for Golden Boy to protect Alvarez from the top contenders in the division and that they were fully aware that Martirosyan would not be able to accept the terms of the fight.

“I think Golden Boy did well to protect their champion. They knew we were going to turn down the Angulo fight under these conditions beforehand,” he said.

Martirosyan will be back in the ring soon. Another announcement will follow shortly.

Klitschko Retains Title, Results From Poland

The latest attempt to dethrone the Klitschko's from the top of the heavyweight division was unsuccessfull as WBC title holder Vitali Klitschko easily scored a ten round TKO victory over Tomasz Adamek Saturday night in Poland. From the outset Klitschko clearly was at an advantage with his height, power and technical skills. He was able to accurately land his jabs early and often which prevented Adamek from ever challenging him. Klitschko would score a knockdown in the sixth and finish things off in the tenth when the referee would step in to call a hault to the bout at the 2:20 mark. 

Mateusz Masternak KO(3) Karl Davis
Andrzej Wawrzyk TKO(9) Devin Vargas
Sadam Ali TKO(6) Boris Berg
Ola Afolabi UD(8) Lukasz Rusiewicz
Johnathon Banks TKO(7) Ivica Bacurin

Melindo Stops Rosas

Milan Melindo retired Francisco Rosas after ten rounds Saturday at Cebu City Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Cebu City, Philippines. 

Rosbel Montoya UD(10) Jason Pagara
Genesis Servania UD(8) Gerson Guerrero

McCloskey Decisions Prescott

Paul McCloskey (23-1 12KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Breidis Prescott (24-3 19KOs) Saturday night at Odyssey Arena in Belfast, United Kingdom.

Martirosyan vs Angulo Eliminator Off

The WBC eliminator bout between Vanes Martirosyan and Alfredo Angulo is off. Martirosyan's promoter Top Rank notified the WBC that he their fighter would not be participating in the bout.

Mayweather Conference Call MP3 & Workout Video

Earlier this week Floyd "Money" Mayweather participated in a media conference call to discuss his upcoming Sept. 17 bout against Victor Ortiz live on HBO PPV. To listen to an MP3 of the conference call in its entirety, click HERE

Also, Mayweather hosted an open media workout at his gym in Las Vegas, NV. USTREAM was on hand to record the action, which you can view below.





Lee-Vera II On October 1st, Will Air Lve On HBO

New York, NY - (9/9/2011) - On Saturday, October 1st, Andy Lee (26-1, 19KO's) will not only have the opportunity to erase the lone blemish on his otherwise perfect professional record, but also take yet another step toward fighting for a middleweight world championship, when he takes on former member of "The Contender: Season 3", Brian Vera (19-5, 12KO's). Lee-Vera II, which will air live on HBO's World Championship Boxing, is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and will be the main supporting bout of the evening to Sergio Martinez' World Boxing Council (WBC) Middleweight Diamond Belt title defense against current undefeated, European Champion, Darren Barker. Lee-Vera II is scheduled for 10 rounds in the middleweight division.

Lee, who is rated as the WBA #2, WBO #2, and WBC #6 middleweight in the world, certainly didn't need to take the fight against the very dangerous, and WBO #11-rated Vera, who is just two fights removed from his upset decision victory over former junior middleweight world champion, Sergio Mora. But for Lee, who has strung together 11 consecutive wins since the 2008 loss to Vera, including seven by stoppage, the fight absolutely had to be made.DBE

"I've wanted this rematch with Vera from the moment I lost to him," said Lee. "It means everything to me, to beat the man that beat me, to clear my name and set the record straight. I want to be champion of the world but I also want to look back on my career and know I rose to the challenge and beat the only man that has beaten me. The loss to Vera still weighs heavily on my mind and until I beat him, I will not be able to move on." 

Lee has shown a lot of growth since the defeat, and he believes that it will show come fight night.

"In our first fight, I made quite a few mistakes. I was young and inexperienced as a pro fighter. Firstly, I over looked Vera, but he fought with intensity and a lot of determination. This time I am making no mistakes, I am doing everything in preparation for this fight. I am in great shape already and if I have to fight all 10 rounds at full pace I can do that." 

Lee realizes the magnitude and importance of the fight both for his immediate and future plans in the sport of boxing. 

"I want to prove I am the better fighter and that, in the first fight, Vera caught me at the right time. I give Vera his due. He deserved his victory in our first fight. He turned up in better shape and more focused than me. I know I'm the better fighter though and that I will prove it on October 1st. My focus is totally on Vera, but after I win, which I fully expect to do, I will watch the main event with an eye to fighting the winner. Martinez is rightly considered the best middleweight in the world and if he gets by Barker then that is the fight I want." 

Lee-Vera II is being presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Caesars Atlantic City, and is sponsored by Corona. The show will be aired live on HBO's World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT.

Tickets are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster retail outlet, or in person at the Boardwalk Hall box office. 

Stay tuned for a word out off Camp Vera...

Havoc Boxing H4: Remembering 9/11 Final Press Quotes & Notes Plus Presser Video Links

NEW YORK (September 9, 2011)—On Thursday afternoon, the media gathered at Club 1849 in the SoHo section of New York City for the final press conference before Saturday night’s big fight card at The Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York.

In the main event, Amanda Serrano will take on Kimberly Connor for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Featherweight championship. 

Undefeated Super Middleweight, Joel “El Ray” Castillo will take on an opponent to be determined.

In a third co-feature, undefeated and powerful Colombian knockout artist Santander Silgado (18-0, 16 KO’s) will take on the upset specialist, Harvey Jolley in a six round Cruiserweight bout.

The eleven bout card is promoted by Rob Diaz’ Havoc Boxing Promotions

Below are quotes from a few of the participants plus the link to view and embed the press conference video

Andre Rozier—“The athletes on this card will be boxing in the memory of those we did lose”
“People are saying with eleven bouts that this is a Don King-eqsue card but this is what 
Havoc Boxing is all about”
“This is one of many steps that will make Havoc is making to rise to the top”
“On Saturday night we will remember 9/11 and it’s a day we will never forget”
“Amanda Serrano is a fantastic athlete and every time she fights, she has the intent of 
destroying her opponent”

Kelly Richardson (Trainer of Zachary Ochoa)—“I look forward to more great events with Havoc Promotions”

Zachary Ochoa (Pro Debut)—“I will put on a great show. I worked hard. This is my time to shine”

Alvin Acosta—“Be ready. I am back. We are ready to fight”
“This is what I have been doing all of my life and I am back” 

Joel Castillo—“We have been struggling but we been working hard. Everyone who I train with motivates me. I am ready for whoever I fight. We don’t play games. We are in the hurt business and on Saturday night, dome body will get hurt.”

NOTES…To honor EMS workers, all Policeman, Firemen, EMT and other workers will receive 20% discounts on all tickets with proof of ID..Most of the fighters were in the process of completing their medical examiners. Fridays weigh-in will begin at 1pm…The rest of the card will feature: Anthony Irons (3-0-1, 2 KO’s)—Undefeated Welterweight—Brooklyn, NY…Ryan Ramaya (Pro Debut)--Featherweight—Brooklyn, NY…Arman Mrkanovic (1-1)—Cruiserweight—Queens, NY…Frank Galarza (3-0, 1 KO)—Jr. Welterweight—Brooklyn, NY

LINK TO VIEW PRESS CONFERENCE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-tK3DQiptY

EMBEDDED LINK (ANY WEBSITE MY USE THIS by copying andpasting)



1ST BELL IS 7PM SHARP

All tickets are priced at $50 and can be purchased by clicking:
www.havocboxingnyc.com

The Aviator Sports Complex is located at:

3159 Flatbush Ave - Brooklyn, N.Y. 11234

For more information on Havoc Boxing, Click:
www.havocboxingnyc.com

Mia St. John Joins First Lady Michelle Obama As A Guest Speaker For Mental Health Programs

LOS ANGELES, September 8 - Female boxing icon Mia St. John will be one of the guest speakers along with First Lady Michelle Obama to talk about the need for more mental health programs on Monday Sept. 12 in Washington D.C.
           

Despite being out of the ring since last June, Nave moved ahead and lined up a tough opponent in Hoskins in order to take his comeback to the next level. “The time is running,” admits Nave. “I am not getting any younger and it is kind of now or never for me with the window of opportunity. The idea is I am definitely challenging myself, fighting a kid 15-0 that is less than half my age. I have a daughter his age.”

Hoskins (15-0-1, 8 KOs) of Hannibal, Missouri may be somewhat of an unknown commodity to the average boxing fan, but he comes equipped with credentials that need to be respected. “This guy was a three-time Golden Gloves champion, 50-7 as an amateur,” says Nave of the 24-year-old Hoskins. “I believe his dad owns a gym, so he probably grew up in the gym. He’s is probably going to be in real good shape. My thought is that he is probably a very good boxer, and I am going to have to get him out of his game plan.”

Nave, who is trained by Homer Hall, is preparing for a tough eight-round fight. “We’re sparring well and getting the rounds in,” reports Nave. “I’ve just got to get in the best shape that I can. He’s not coming out to lose, and he’s fighting an older guy, so I am basically the underdog. Even though I have a lot of experience, he’s never lost. But I love the challenge, and that’s what I came back for.”

Nave, who is also the promoter of the fight, worked tirelessly to bring the event to Albert Park Field, something he has wanted to do for roughly a decade. “I’ve played 32-years of fast pitch softball there,” says Nave. “I always thought it would be so cool to have an event there. I am down to my last few fights now, I figured it was now or never to realize my dream have putting on an event there.”

Nave came back to the ring with hopes of landing one more big fight, but he understands he cannot look ahead past the 16th. “Everything hinges on this fight,” says Nave. “If I am to win this fight, it would open up a huge opportunity. But everything is contingent on this fight.”

Even if the result is in doubt heading in, one thing that is not is the effort. “I’ve always said that whether I’ve trained one month or three months, whatever I got it is all going out there,” says Nave. “So I am going to leave everything in the ring, that is for sure, and I am going to do my very best to win.

At my age, I am jumping in deep water, and we will see if I can swim to the top.”

Supporting card:

Surging cruiserweight Lamont Williams (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Fairfield, California will take on Brent Urban (7-4-1, 5 KOs) of Burlingame, California in a six-round bout.

In a women’s attraction, Marquita Lee of Novato, California will make her professional debut against Laura Deanovic (0-2) of San Francisco, California in a four-rounder.

In a four-round pairing of pro debuters, Jesus Partida of Redwood City, California will take on former amateur adversary Denis Madriz of San Francisco in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Rounding out the card, two guys known for giving top fighters tough fights will square off against one another, as Luis Alfredo Lugo (11-16-1, 5 KOs) of Richmond, California will square off against Hector Alatorre (16-16, 5 KOs) of Tulare, California in a four-round welterweight bout.

*All Bouts Subject To Change

Tickets: $200, $150, $100, $75, $50, $40 and $30 Standing Room Upon Seating Sellout 

Rosado-Collins Weights

Gabriel Rosado 153 vs. Keenan Collins 152
(PA State junior middleweight title)
Ronald Cruz 146 vs. Christopher Fernandez 146
Bryant Jennings 223 vs. Alexis Mejias 227
Decarlo Perez 149 vs. Tolan Tascoe 150
Fred Jenkins Jr. 165.75 vs. Pete Yates 166
William Miranda 234 vs. Lonnie Kornegay 266.5
Tevin Farmer 126 vs. Joshua Arocho 126

Opponents for El Paso’s Antonio Escalante and Mickey Roman, of Juarez, have been announced for Independence Showdown, Thursday, September 15th at the El Paso County Coliseum. The seven-bout fight card will feature 2-time world champion, Jhonny Gonzalez (49-7, Mexico City) defending his WBC World Featherweight Championship against Rogers Mtagwa (27-14-2, Philadelphia).

The former #1 World Contender, Escalante (24-4, El Paso, TX), will take on Mexico’s Pipino Cuevas, Jr. (14-7, Mexico City) in a ten-round Lightweight co-Semi Main Event bout. Roman, the current Mexican Super Featherweight Champion, is slated to take on Antonio Meza (17-10-1, Mexicali) in the other co-Semi Main Event.

Added to the card are 2008 U.S. Olympian, Javier Molina (8-0, Norwalk, CA), female prospect Jennifer Han (3-1, El Paso) and undefeated El Paso prospects Carlos Villa and Joel Garcia, both 2-0).

The event is being promoted by Goosen-Tudor Promotions , in association with Promociones Del Pueblo of El Paso. It will be broadcast in Mexico on Televisa and in the domestic U.S. on ESPN Deportes. The first fight begins at 7:30 pm

Tickets are priced at $20, $30, $50, $75 and $100 and on sale at the El Paso County Coliseum Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. They will also be available online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Escalante and Roman battled toe-to-toe on February 26, 2010, with Escalante winning a close decision on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. On this card, they will be paired in separate bouts and look to focus on their upcoming opponents.

“I’m not worrying about Mickey Roman or a rematch,” Escalante stated. “I’m totally focused on a very tough opponent in Pipino Cuavas, Jr. He’s a strong guy who’s going to come in here to knock me out, so I have to put all my energy into winning this fight. I can look at the future after this fight is over.”

“For me, it’s all about beating my next opponent,” echoed Roman. “Tony and I can do this later, but for now, I know I have to have my best performance to beat Antonio Meza. He’s a tough, veteran fighter who’s very durable. I’m prepared for a long, hard fight. “

Molina, who won several national titles while on his way to becoming an Olympian, will be showcasing his highly regarded skills against John Revish (10-4-2, Golden Meadow, LA). Molina and Revish are scheduled for six rounds in the welterweight division.

Han, considered a top female prospect, will be matched-up with veteran Kerri Hill (3-20, Little Rock, Ark.) in a four-round Jr. Lightweight contest.

Villa will take on fellow El Paso fighter, Javier Nunez (0-1). The Villa and Nunez bout is set for four- rounds in the welterweight division.

Rounding out the card will be Garcia in a four-round flyweight fight against Ricky Lacefield (0-1, Lincoln, Neb.)

Gamboa-Ponce De Leon Officials

For the first high profile fight in Atlantic City since Paul Williams vs. Erislandy Lara, the New Jersey Athletic Control Board has assigned the officials Saturday night’s featherweight showdown between unbeaten former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and ex-WBO 122lb titlist Daniel Ponce de Leon. Referee Alan Huggins will be the third man in the ring with judges Jule Lederman, Steve Weisfeld and Shafeeq Rashada handling the scoring.

Photos: Gamboa-De Leon Final Presser

Photos: Tom Briglia/Top Rank Boxing

Team Gamboa poses for a group photo after the Gamboa vs. Ponce DeLeon Press Conference held at Caesars Atlantic City on Thursday September 8, 2011 in Atlantic City NJ.